Saturday Vigil – 03 April 2021 — Gospel: Mk 16,1-8
Promises of Reconciliation and Mission
In Jesus’ resurrection, Mark presents with a mysterious confirmation that God and Jesus have done just what they have promised. The woman saw an angel in human form, who told them of the resurrected Jesus and showed them the empty tomb. This was the first evidence of the Resurrection and the angel’s message is the heart of the Easter proclamation. The angel painted the contrast between what Jesus was and what He is now. He was crucified and died. Now, He is risen.
The resurrection story gives every reason to believe that what Jesus promises will take place (16,6-7), because his word has already been fulfilled in many important ways. He suffered and died and was raised, just as he foretold. Three times Jesus has told his apostles that he must undergo great suffering, be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again (8,31; 9,31; 10,33-34). When the hour of trial came, Judas betrayed him, the other disciples scattered, and Peter denied him three times, just as Jesus said would happen. There is every reason to believe that the rest of Jesus’ promises will also be fulfilled: Jesus will meet his disciples in Galilee, and the good news will be proclaimed to all nations.
At the empty tomb two promises of fidelity are validated: God’s final proof of Jesus, and Jesus’ continuing dedication to his disciples. Even though there are no disciples around the tomb of Jesus, the three women are entrusted with a message for his disciples. Among them Peter is singled out. The angel distinguishes Peter, because Jesus had special hope, special forgiveness, and special restoration for the one who denied Him the worst. The young man proclaims the promise of Jesus’ Lordship. The risen Jesus has gone before them to Galilee, where he awaits for reconciliation and mission. The main objective of this invitation is to reveal Himself to His disciples; they are to see Him first. The return to Galilee indicates a fresh start, for it was there that Mark’s narrative began (1,14). Going back to Galilee means going back to the margins where Jesus ministered. There encounter Him again feeding the hungry, driving out the demons that torment people, preaching words of hope to the broken-hearted, healing those in distress, and breaking down the barriers that separate people.
Again, as throughout Mark’s Gospel (6,45; 10,32), Jesus is in the lead and his disciples must catch up. This is in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah “just as Jesus said” to the twelve during their Passover meal (Mk 14,27-28). The shepherd who has been struck in crucifixion is the risen Jesus. The disciples are the sheep who have been scattered following Jesus’ crucifixion. The crucified and risen Lord comes among his followers as the shepherd who goes before the sheep (16,7).
