Believe The "Good News"—Even When It's Hard to Believe

Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Mark 16:9–15

The Gospel today gives us a very honest picture of the early disciples. Jesus has risen and has appeared to Mary Magdalene. She runs to share the good news, but the others don’t believe her. Then the risen Jesus appears to two more disciples walking on the road, who share their news of seeing Jesus, and again—they aren’t believed. It’s almost comforting to see that even the first followers of Jesus struggled to trust the Resurrection.

When Jesus finally appears to the Eleven, he doesn’t scold them to shame them. Instead, Jesus names their unbelief and then immediately entrusts them with a mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.” It’s as if Jesus is saying, “I know you struggled. I know you doubted. But I still choose you.”

This is the heart of the passage: Jesus meets us where we are, but he doesn’t leave us there.

The disciples’ hesitation didn’t disqualify them. Their fear didn’t cancel their calling. Their slow-to-believe hearts didn’t stop Jesus from sending them out as witnesses of Jesus' love.

And the same is true for us. We all have moments when faith feels difficult—when hope seems fragile, when prayer feels dry, when God’s presence seems hidden. Yet Jesus continues to show up in our lives, often quietly, often patiently, inviting us to trust him a little more each day. Jesus doesn’t wait for perfect faith before he sends us. Jesus simply asks for open hearts and willing steps.

The Resurrection is not just an event to believe in—it’s a reality to live from. And Jesus entrusts each of us, in our own circles and relationships, with the mission of sharing his love, his life, his mercy, and his hope.

You are invited to reflect today about where do you find yourself struggling to trust God right now, and how might Jesus be inviting you to deeper faith? How can you share the Good News—through kindness, encouragement, or witness—in the ordinary moments of your week?

Risen Lord,
meet me in my doubts and strengthen my faith.
Help me to recognize your presence in my life
and to trust your love even when I feel uncertain.
Give me the courage to share your hope with
others through my words and actions.
Stay close to me as I walk the path of discipleship.
Amen.

This reflection was prepared with the assistance of CoPilot.