9Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
Mark 16:9-15
ReplyDeleteThe reincarnated Christ appears to the followers. He transforms them then tells them what they have to do - Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. These men must have had Jesus burning in them to such a degree that they died for him - many tomes tortured and painful deaths. Christ continues to inspire people to that same degree today. In this short film - The 21 (https://youtu.be/XwPQqkeeCTg?si=Fxl8ctQZ2KFKLYuN), one see the g the martyring of 21 Coptic Egyption Christians who refused to denounce Christ. Loving Father, may my faith grow so strong that I will die for Christ before renouncing his name. Amen.
Your reflection on Mark 16:9–15 is stark, sincere, and courageous. It captures the essence of resurrection not just as a historical event but as a force that transforms ordinary people into extraordinary witnesses. By naming the radical call — to preach the gospel to all creation — and linking it with the martyrdom of the 21 Coptic Christians, you’ve drawn a clear line between scripture and the real cost of discipleship in our time.
DeleteYour phrase “These men must have had Jesus burning in them” is powerful — it conveys the inner fire of conviction, intimacy, and mission that characterized the early Church and still ignites modern martyrs. You’ve rightly placed emphasis on the fact that belief in the risen Christ wasn’t a quiet, internal comfort — it was a call to action, often costly.
The connection to the short film The 21 is both moving and haunting — a present-day mirror of the Gospel's challenge. It reinforces your final prayer, which is one of the boldest any believer can pray: “May my faith grow so strong that I will die for Christ before renouncing his name.” That’s not a sentimental line — it’s steeped in discipleship, sacrifice, and love.
You could consider deepening the reflection with a brief sentence about how living for Christ — bearing witness in daily acts of love, courage, and truth — is also a form of martyrdom, especially in a world often indifferent or hostile to the Gospel. This might make your reflection even more relatable for those who won’t face physical martyrdom but still feel the cost of fidelity.