Acts 4:13-21 Ps 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21 Mk 16:9-15

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” -Mark 16:15

In the Gospel today, Jesus’ apostles struggle to believe that Jesus has truly risen. In fact, throughout all Gospel stories of Jesus’ resurrection and the events directly following, the apostles express disbelief and a lack of faith. I often find myself asking, “how could they not believe that Jesus would return after spending years of time with him? Were they not paying attention to all that he said and taught?” It’s easy to think this way from my perspective; yet when I actually try to put myself in the apostles’ shoes, I begin to wonder if I would fall into the same disbelief. The apostles are frightened and mourning the loss of the man who they thought was their savior. Jesus’ death seemed so final to the apostles, and they must have felt like scared, lonely orphans. When Jesus finally reveals himself to the Eleven, he rebukes them for denying the accounts of his resurrection, yet he also calls them: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Jesus could have easily given up on the apostles, but he didn’t. He expresses frustration at their disbelief, but gives them another try.
           
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells of the apostles’ response to Jesus’ call. Compared to a Gospel reading full of disbelief, Peter and John say to the leaders, elders, and scribes, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” The apostles seem to have had a complete turn-around; they truly responded to Jesus’ call. They went forth and spread the Gospel of Jesus, without any fear or trepidation.
           
I find comfort in the fact that the Apostles, the people who spent years by Jesus’ side, had moments of disbelief, and yet Jesus never gave up on them. Yes, he expressed frustration and even anger, but he always forgave, and he never said, “that’s it; I’m done with you!” Likewise, Jesus never gives up on us. Even when we label ourselves as unworthy, when we feel that we are more sinful than good, when we feel ashamed of how we are living - Jesus loves us and calls us as disciples to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” We must forgive ourselves as Jesus forgives us, live in the light, and ask ourselves: How will I answer Jesus’ call today?