Homily Saturday in the Octave of Easter (Mark 16:9-15)

Homily Saturday in the Octave of Easter (Mark 16:9-15)

The Gospel of Mark has three endings.  The first ending describes the women who discovered the empty tomb retreating in confusion from the grave of Jesus.  They are told by the angel that greets them to go tell the rest of the disciples about what they had found at the grave of Jesus.  But they do not.  That is where the original gospel ends. 

In the second ending written later we are told that the women did follow the orders of the angel.  We are told that the good news of Jesus’ resurrection was sent out from east to west. 

In the ending we read today we have a summation of all the Easter stories.  A person who copied the Gospel by hand later provided the listing of the resurrection accounts.  Obviously, this scribe felt the original ending was inadequate. He or she wanted a more edifying ending. 

What is it that the person who wrote this ending wanted to convey?  This writer wanted to challenge people.  A great commission is issued.  “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.”  The Gospel story did not end with the empty tomb, but it begins.

In the film “Jesus of Nazareth” a character named Zerah who is one of the leaders of the temple comes to the empty tomb.  He has tried to make sure that Jesus’ body was not stolen. He wants Jesus to be forgotten.  When he arrives at the tomb Zerah looks in the tomb and he sees the burial clothes.  When he sees them, he says prophetically, “Now it begins. It all begins.”

Reflection Questions:

1. How do I think the resurrection account should end?  Am I fearful to share my faith?
2. Is it my charge to spread the good news of Jesus or is it someone else’s?  How do I try to tell others about Jesus?

Dear Parishioners,

          This Sunday we will be celebrating the second Sunday of Easter.  This is what is known as Divine Mercy Sunday.  One of the precepts of the church is that a faithful Catholic is to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation sometime during the Lent Easter Season.  We continue to have confessions on Saturdays. If you have experienced God’s mercy this year, please consider doing that in the next 6 weeks.

          I notice that sign-ups for Masses have gone down this week. If you have not signed up for this weekend’s Mass, please stop in and attend. There should be room.

          May Our Lady all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

          Fr. Mark