Saturday, April 6, 2002
Octave of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 4:13-21
Gospel: Mk 16:9-15
After
Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary
of Magdala from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and reported
the news to his followers, who were now mourning and weeping. But when
they heard that he lived and had been seen by her, they would not believe
it.
After this he showed himself in another form to two of them, as they were
walking into the country. These men too went back and told the others,
but they did not believe them.
Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He
reproached them for their unbelief and stubbornness in refusing to believe
those who had seen him after he had risen.
Then he told them, "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good
News to all creation."
Commentary
A summary of this week's gospels - Jesus lives and is still with us in our searching, our journeys, our work, our meals, wherever two or three are gathered in his name. He's with us for a purpose - to continue the mission he began: to build community in the Spirit of Jesus, where the values of Jesus are alive and influence every aspect of our lives, our relationships and social structures. Leadership as service. Loving one another as Christ loved us. Laying down our lives for one another. Announce the good news that there is somewhere to go - in this world as well as the next - and we are on the way! God is taking us there, no matter what it costs, no matter how long it takes. Jesus asks: "Will you travel with me? Will you share my labor, my suffering and my joy?"