The Group of Unbelievers

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:9-15*

*First Reading : Acts 4:13-21*

*The Group of Unbelievers*

*1) The Resurrection of Jesus and the Unbelievers*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the unbelief in the Risen Lord and the people who belong to this group 

After Jesus had Risen, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene and then to his two disciples on the way to Emmaus. 

Both these incidents were reported to the Apostles but they didn't believe 

In a way, because of their unbelief, we can say that they were, for a short period of time, remained in the group of unbelievers

*2) The Group of unbelievers Today*

Today even after 2000 years there are also people who don't believe in the Resurrection of Jesus

In a way they also doubt his death and resurrection

There are great number of people today who belong to the group of unbelievers

*3) The Signs of the Risen Christ*

To say that Christ is not Risen is foolishness

There are several strong evidence to prove that Christ is Risen 

There are more than two people who have experienced and seen the Risen Lord in the Early Church 

The Risen Lord has appeared to all the disciples, which is recorded in the Bible

Thirdly, there are billions of people who have believed in the Resurrection of Jesus for more than 2000 years 

The Lord is alive in the Eucharist, who works miracles in our life 

A God can't be a dead God. He died to conquer the death and now He is alive. He is the God of living and not of the dead 

Risen Christ is the Power of the Church, which is active, creative and effective

*4) The Signs of Unbelief*

The Gospel also speaks about the signs of Unbelief

The *Hardness of the Heart*

This particular attitude of the disciples is highlighted in today's Gospel

Once the heart becomes hard, all kinds of evil things take birth in ones life 

So one should be careful about, heart becoming hard in ones life 

*5) Do I belong to this group?*

Unbelief is one of the great blocks or hurdles in growing relationship with Risen Christ

The unbelief of the disciples vanished when Jesus appeared to them. 

Do I belong to the group of unbelievers? 

If so, what are the reasons for the same? 

How can I overcome from these things? 

*6) The command of the Lord*

All those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus has the duty to proclaim the Risen Christ to others. It is a command of the Lord. 

By proclaiming the Risen Christ, one can help the other who does not believe in the Resurrection of Jesus 

Secondly, by proclaiming the Risen Christ, we become the genuine and committed disciples of Jesus 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*