RBWords

     Scripture scholars tell us that the passage from the Gospel According to Mark which forms the gospel scripture for today was not part of the original but added on by someone later on who wanted to underline the inadequacy of the disciples' initial response to the news of Jesus' resurrection and call attention to their future task (and ours)!.  Nevertheless, the church has accepted this "appendix" as inspired and it is part of the gospel.  The full passage is not given, which tells us that the disciples did take the challenge to heart: But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

     Like every celebration which "commissions" someone to do something, the party ends and the job lies ahead.  The Gospel According to Mark does not dwell on the resurrection but on the commission to preach the gospel.  It is one thing to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, but this "good news" has to be preached!  The liturgical year pivots around the celebration of the incarnation and the death and resurrection of Jesus.  In between those two big celebrations is the day to day living out of Jesus' teachings in word and deed.  The liturgical celebration of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit lies ahead on the calendar, but we have already received that Spirit and the same challenge Jesus gave to those frightened and skeptical disciples: Go out into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature!  AMEN!