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 also 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 hardness of
heart, 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.

Reflection:

This is a recapitulation of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. We have the
impression that the news is not accepted easily by the disciples. That is why the
resurrection appearances are many and with various peoples. It is too big an
event that the mind needs time to adjust before it can give space to this
new reality that inserted itself to human reality. But the Lord could not go
on appearing until they believe. That is why He appears in this gospel to
all when they are at table, rebuke their unbelief, and give them a command.
They have to take over now that He is near in going back to the Father. It
is time that He entrusts to them His unfinished work. It will be challenging times
ahead for the disciples. A great responsibility is given them. The joy of the
resurrection gives way to somber reality.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021

Gospel: Lk 24:35–48
Then the two told what had happened o the road to Emmaus, and how Jesus had made himself known, when he broke bread with them.
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood in their midst. (He said to them, “Peace to you.”) In their panic and fright they
thought they were seeing a ghost, but he said to them, “Why are you upset, and how does such an idea cross your minds? Look at my hands and
feet, and see that it is I myself! Touch me, and see for yourselves, for a ghost has no flesh and bones as I have!” (As he said this, he showed his hands
and feet.) Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, as they were astonished; so he said to them, “Have you anything to eat?” And
they gave him a piece of broiled fish. He took it, and ate it before them. Then Jesus said to them, “Remember the words I spoke to you when I was
still with you: Everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds
to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “So it was written: the Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead.
Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.

Reflection:

Right after their resurrection experience on the road to Emmaus, the
two disciples immediately pivoted back to Jerusalem. They shared the good news.
It somehow confirms the claims of the women who went to visit the Lord’s tomb
early morning after the Sabbath. And then Jesus comes and shows Himself
to them. It is not only the testimony of the women and the two disciples that
affirm the resurrection. His appearance to them and His demonstration that He is an
alive, breathing being that eats food like anyone else close all possibilities of doubt.
And again, He reiterated that all these happened because of the Scriptures. It took the
disciples a long time before they could really understand this. That’s why Jesus has
to appear several times to confirm that He is alive.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021