The fear experienced by the women and the disciples
at the end of Mark’s Gospel shows us that even when we have profound spiritual
experiences, fear can often force us into silence. The account of the ascension
in Mark which we read today urges us not to be afraid but to go out. Mark’s
Gospel is a Gospel for hard times, for those who are struggling. This ending
aims to empower us and give us courage even when the world around us tells us
otherwise. It urges us to “Go” and tell.
The disciples ‘went out’; bringing ‘good news’
everywhere. We too are called to be Easter People because we live with an
assurance that pain, death and grief will not have the last word and we dare to
shine the light of hope and wholeness into the empty tomb. Where have you
encountered Easter People in your own life? How do you communicate this risen
Jesus to others? How can we be Easter People to others? This is the challenge
of the Gospel today. To bring Christ’s love and assurance to all we meet.
‘God has given us the power to create beauty, to make another smile, to be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow, to bring justice to the oppressed, to console those in difficulty, to bring peace and joy to others, to help those in need, to laugh and enjoy life, to do good and turn from evil, to forgive those who have hurt us, and, most of all, to love’ (Iris Perez)
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