Can't deny it

Mass Readings: March 29

First:	Acts 4:13-21
Resp:	Psalm 118:1,14-21
Gospel:	Mark 16:9-15

Mark 16:14 (But) later, as the eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised.

The religious leaders continued to rebuke Jesus' disciples for teaching the resurrection even though they themselves could not deny it.  But what about these disciples?  They didn't even believe what the others said about Jesus appearing to them. They found it hard to believe. 

We don't think about this time after the resurrection when Jesus rebukes his disciples very often.  We are always ready to criticize non-believers for their unwillingness to allow for the faith in Christ to be a part of our culture, but how often does the church itself fail to truly believe and even deny the truth and power of the resurrection.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to truly believe in the truth and the power of the resurrection. Help me to be willing to trust you in every situation and to be willing to give witness to the love, grace and power that we find in Christ.

Amen