When they heard that he was alive
and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

mark 16:11

Mark 16:9-15

Reflection

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, but the disciples do not believe her. Jesus then appears to two more disciples, but still they are not believed. Finally, Jesus appears to the Eleven themselves, and rebukes them for not believing the others who said he was alive. He then tells them to preach the gospel to all the world.

It took the Apostles three times to believe Jesus was alive. Even with eyewitness accounts from trusted individuals, they did not believe until they saw the risen Lord for themselves. In our own lives, we may experience this with family and friends. We might preach the Gospel to them earnestly and multiple times, encouraging them to believe in Jesus because of their trust in us.

Yet many times, our evangelization efforts don’t seem to work. When this happens, we shouldn’t give up hope. Jesus may need to personally appear in their lives in a suitable manner for them. We can still live out a good Christian lifestyle that will influence those around us. Jesus works at the hearts of men in various ways; we must let him do so.

Reflect on how you can bring Christ to others, even in their unbelief. Pray for them and ask the Lord to guide you appropriately in their lives.

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Saint of the Day

St. Cletus: died ca. AD 92

St. Cletus was the third pope. Not much is known about his papacy, but it is believed he divided Rome into 25 smaller parishes. Tradition holds that he was martyred. St. Cletus, pray for us!