In the Gospel reading, the apostles who had been with Jesus did not believe in His Resurrection (Mk 16:11, 13). In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, those who had been with Jesus were those who did believe in Him (Acts 4:13). What was the difference that caused the apostles to believe? One major difference is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Without the Holy Spirit, the witness of the Resurrection made no sense. The first witness was a woman, Mary Magdalene. In that first-century culture, the apostles couldn't grasp that the first witness would be a woman. Women had no legal standing at that time. Thus, when the apostles "heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it" (Mk 16:11). Later that day, Jesus appeared to two male disciples, but the apostles "put no more faith in them than in Mary Magdalene" (Mk 16:13).
Is the Bible confusing to you? The Resurrection, the Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom of God make no sense to the natural mind (see 1 Cor 2:9-10). Only in the Holy Spirit can these things be appraised. Therefore, we must beg the Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit (Lk 11:13). "Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22) and receive the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
| PRAYER: | Lord, open our eyes that we may see what You are doing. Send Your Holy Spirit that we may always recognize You and believe in You. |
| PROMISE: | "I will give thanks to You, for You have answered me and have been my Savior." –Ps 118:21 |
| PRAISE: | Alleluia! The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen in glory. Praise You, Lord, forever. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College