These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them. Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He
reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Then he told them, “Go out
to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.

Reflection:

In today’s gospel, the unbelief of the disciples is mentioned
three times. Neither the firstperson narratives of Mary of
Magdala and the two disciples from Emmaus nor the direct
encounters with the Risen Lord has kindled faith in some of the
apostles. Jesus reproaches them, but surprisingly, still trusts them
with the missionary mandate to bear witness. This could be
consoling: There are times when we come across ministers of the
sacraments who have less than ideal conviction about what they
do; but that does not negate the validity of the sacraments. And,
there are times we ourselves find it hard to believe some
of the claims of the Creed. But that should not prevent us from
practicing or preaching it. Doubt is not always an enemy of faith;
Now we know through a glass darkly, then we will know face to
face (cf. 1 Cor 13:12). Until then, we do as he has asked us to do.

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