Saturday of Easter Octave
Mark 16:9-15
If you feel called by the Lord, do not doubt.

After His resurrection, Jesus’ followers struggled to recognize Him. Mary Magdalene mistook Him for a gardener (John 20:15), and the disciples feared they had seen a ghost (Luke 24:37). On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared in another form, and they did not recognize him (Mark 16:12). This highlights a deeper truth: recognizing the risen Christ requires seeing with the heart, not just the eyes.

“Seeing is believing” is a common saying, but faith does not rely on physical sight alone. Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing!” Faith is a gift, not a product of our senses or intellect. As St. Thomas Aquinas noted, we do not grasp God; rather, God grasps us. Our understanding is limited, but His grace fills the gaps.

In today’s Gospel, three testimonies confirm the resurrection: Mary Magdalene’s, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally, Jesus Himself. Despite their doubts, Jesus entrusted these very disciples with His mission: “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News.” This shows that perfect faith is not a prerequisite for serving Christ; faith is given as we walk in His mission.

Pope Francis reminds us that every Christian, in any circumstance, is called to this joy. Those who take risks for Christ will not be disappointed. Grace is not given for tomorrow—it is given for today. Like Peter and John, we must stand firm in faith, refusing to compromise it. May we embrace this gift, live it boldly, and trust that the Lord equips us as we go. Lord, strengthen my faith and help me proclaim it with courage. Amen.

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