Saturday in the Octave of Easter

Readings of the Day

In today’s Gospel Jesus appears not once, but three times. 

First, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene “out of whom he had driven seven demons.” She goes to find Jesus’ companions to tell them what she saw, but when she shares the encounter, Mark simply says: “They did not believe.” 

So, Jesus appears a second time, this time to two disciples walking on the road. They too find Jesus’ companions to tell them what they saw. But as Mark says again: “they did not believe.” 

Then Jesus appears a third time! This time it was to the “Eleven” who were gathered at table. Jesus “rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had been raised.” Despite this, Jesus instructs them to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

It’s remarkable that even in moments of disbelief, Jesus never gave up on the Apostles. I find comfort in the fact that even though Jesus was frustrated and angry at the people who spent years by His side for not believing “those who saw Him after He had been raised,” Jesus still forgave them. He gave the Apostles another try. Likewise, Jesus never gives up on us. 

Even if we have moments of disbelief… even when we label ourselves as unworthy… even when we feel that we are more sinful than good… even when we feel ashamed of how we are living… even when we feel far away from God…Jesus loves us. There is nothing we can do to make Him not love us.

Furthermore, nothing is impossible with God. God can effect change into our lives no matter how dark our past. We just need to be ready for Him and believe in Him. And, when we believe in Him, we begin to believe in ourselves. Yes, we may have the same doubts that the Apostles shared in today’s Gospel, but look at what they did. They lived for the Lord and not for themselves. They believed in God because God believed in them, and lifted them up.

Today Jesus instructs us to “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” How will you respond to this call?

Brittney Manchester is Communications Director at Catholic Charities of Oregon.

Sign up to receive the Daily Lent Reflection emails and other CCUSA messages here.