Chapter Sixteen

16:1-8 The Resurrection: As in creation, the resurrection of Jesus, on the first day of the week, symbolizes the beginning of the definitive creation. The women go to the tomb, worried they will not find anyone to move the stone. But when they arrive, the stone is rolled, and inside the grave, a young man surprises them by announcing the resurrection of the Crucified One and the mission to announce it to his disciples. But they were frightened and said nothing to anyone (8). This is how this gospel would end. However, with the fear and the silence of the women, Mark intends not to end the announcement of the Good News of Jesus so that believers of all times, knowing the testimony of the first communities, make it our own, recreating it from our concrete situation and with the strength of the Spirit of the risen Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus is not the end but the beginning of the Christian adventure. 

16:9-20 Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene – Appears to two disciples – Appears to the Eleven – Mission of the disciples – Ascension of Jesus: Most biblical scholars consider these passages to be a later addition. Several reasons are given for this: the vocabulary and style differ from the rest, and they have no coherence with the previous passage (16:1-8) since they change, among other things, the subject and the number of women. The story concentrates on texts taken from the other Gospels: the apparition to Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:11-18), the disciples of Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35), meal and mission (Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-23; Mt 28:18-20), and ascension (Lk 24:50-53). The common thread is the disciples' unbelief; nevertheless, Jesus continues to count on them for the mission and sends them to announce the Good News to all humanity.