Saturday in the Octave of Easter (Mark 16:9-15) “It’s Up to Us” 2020
Saturday in the Octave of Easter (Mark 16:9-15) “It’s Up to Us”
The Gospel of Mark does not waste words. Mark is the shortest of all the Gospel accounts, also, it is the first Gospel account. When we read the passage today it is a synopsis of all the stories about the resurrection that we have read this week at Mass.
Somehow it is a comfort that we see a common thread through the resurrection narratives. The common thread is impressive. That is especially so, when we think that the four Gospels were written in different places at different times.
Mark shares the feelings of Jesus. The Lord is disappointed in the Apostles hardness of heart. It almost seems like the disciples fail to trust Jesus nor do they trust their own senses. The Lord must convince his followers. He must remind them of what he has told them before.
Finally, they come the point where Jesus turns the mission over to them. The followers of Jesus seem afraid of the huge task that lies ahead of them. But they need to wade into the work and get started.
I remember finishing seminary years ago. I still felt like there was so much I needed to learn, but I also knew that my seminary professors could never completely prepare me for ministry. Most things were going to have to be learned on the job.
Jesus had to turn the ministry over to his disciples. He had to let it go and trust. Really, that is the way it is in every era of the church.
We live in the 21st century. Jesus has given us the task of spreading the Gospel. This is a difficult moment, but we must ty to let go of doubt. Jesus has confidence in us. He trusts in us. Jesus has also given us a helper. We will hear more about the advocate in the Easter readings in upcoming days. Jesus has formed us. He asks us to open our hearts and proclaim the Good News.
Questions for reflection:
1. Do I have hardness of heart today? Who are the people and what are the events in my life that are holding me back from feeling trust deep in my soul today?
2. Who needs to hear a consoling word today from me? Can I reach out to them and share my inmost thoughts about them and about the Lord? Perhaps I need to write an email, skype or write them a letter.
Dear Parishioners,
I have been taking early morning walks during these days of confinement as I try to stay healthy. The trips I used to make to the Y are not possible. I miss the familiar faces of other people who liked to torture themselves with exercises. I travel the same routes around the neighborhood repeatedly. I often look at the cracked sidewalks, the trash strewn in the streets and it can pull me down. I wish that I could have the freedom to travel far away to a scenic place.
Other mornings something exciting happens. One day I saw a coyote running down the street in the middle of Moline. Another day a couple of deer watched me pensively and jumped into the brush. This morning I was walking along and something tiny flew in front of me. I was startled. What was it? I looked in the bush where it landed to see a freshly hatched baby bird staring at me. I feared it and it was frightened of me. But this one-ounce puff of feathers was a sign of new life.
Today, is a good day to, turn off all the screens and walk around the yard observing all that is there. There all kinds of things there that speak of regeneration and hope. We need those signs right now. I know we can find some because God has placed them there out of love for us.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints protect you and those you love today.
Fr. Mark