But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them
and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart.

Mark 16:14

Mark 16:9-15

Reflection

Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene after he is risen. She tells the others, but they do not believe her. He then appears to two others, but the other disciples still do not believe. Finally, Jesus appears to the Eleven and rebukes them for not believing. He commands them to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.

The Eleven Apostles are rebuked for their hardness of heart and unbelief. Even after three people tell them that Jesus is alive, they do not believe until they see Jesus himself. If we have the same hardness of heart, it will be very difficult to have faith in our Lord and Church.

We believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and that he rose from the dead. We cannot see Jesus’ physical body to confirm this, but rather rely on our faith and trust in the Lord. The Holy Spirit helps us believe and gives us conviction of faith. Sometimes our faith can waver, and hardness of heart clouds our trust. At those times, we must rebuke our own hearts and turn to the Lord, declaring our love for him and asking to be strengthened in faith.

Reflect on how your doubt and hardness of heart has affected your relationship with the Lord.

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Saint of the Day

St. Stanislaus: 1030 – 1079

“Better to die for truth than to live in silence while evil reigns.” St. Stanislaus