Mark 16:9–15 CALLED DESPITE OUR DOUBTS

Year A, Saturday of the Easter Octave

In today’s Gospel, we see a striking and honest picture of the disciples. Mary Magdalene announces to them that she has seen the Risen Lord—but they do not

believe her. Two others share their encounter with Jesus on the road—again, they are not believed. The disciples are struggling, hesitant, and filled with doubt.

This is comforting in a very real way, because it reflects our own experience. Faith is not always easy or immediate. There are moments when we struggle to believe,

moments when doubt creeps in, and times when God’s presence feels distant. Like the disciples, we may hear the truth, yet find it hard to fully trust.

Then Jesus Himself appears to them. Instead of rejecting them for their unbelief, He meets them where they are. He acknowledges their hardness of heart—but He does

not abandon them. This is the heart of God: patient, merciful, and always reaching out, even when our faith is weak.

And then comes something surprising. Jesus entrusts them with a mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” These same

disciples—who doubted, who hesitated, who struggled—are now sent out to share the Good News.

This tells us something powerful: God does not wait for us to be perfect before calling us. He works through us as we are, with all our limitations and struggles. The

mission of sharing the Gospel is not reserved for the flawless—it is given to ordinary people who are willing to trust Him.

In our daily lives, we may feel unworthy or unprepared. We may think, “I am not strong enough in faith,” or “I don’t know enough.” But the Gospel reminds us that it is

not about our perfection—it is about God’s grace. When we say “yes” to Him, He strengthens us, guides us, and works through us in ways we never imagined.

The journey of Easter is not just about believing in the Resurrection—it is about living it. It is about allowing Christ to transform our doubts into faith and our hesitation into

action.

Food for Thought: What doubts or hesitations are holding me back from fully living and sharing my faith?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo