Word to the Wise
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - Octave of Easter - Sat
[Acts 4:13-21 and Mark 16:9-15]"Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." [Mark]
Those who are familiar with the way the online encyclopedia, "Wikipedia," is composed know that various authors may contribute or correct or add to the text. Maybe the originators of the website took a cue from the way the gospels were composed! Today's gospel passage is taken from the "Marcan Appendix," which scripture scholars are certain was added sometime after the previous chapters were written, just like the one in the Gospel According to John (Chapter 21). Nevertheless, when a final decision was made (Council of Trent?) about the "canon" of the Bible (the official list of contents considered to be inspired), the appendices were considered part of the canon and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
One reason that is offered for the text today is that someone thought there was a lack of post-resurrection accounts in the earlier text, so some traditions were added. What comes through is consistent with the rest of the gospel in regard to the disciples. They had a hard time understanding Jesus during his ministry and a hard time understanding his death and resurrection. One might think that a text like this would be embarrassing and would not be added, but this is really a testimony to the authenticity of the traditions. Jesus basically tells them to stop dithering and get going to proclaim the Good News.
In our secular world, the "privatization" of faith has made it seem awkward to proclaim "Christ is born!" in Christmas time or "Christ is risen!" at Easter time. It is as if our faith is a faith of social hesitancy! Have we made a religion out of the separation of Church and State? The Gospel According to Mark is a blunt command to "get over it" and "get on with it." AMEN
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