One way we’ve learned to study the Bible in theology school is through redaction criticism. The idea is that the point of view behind what we read in Scripture may become more clear if we understand better how the original material was organized and edited. Sometimes we can guess what a particular Gospel writer wanted to emphasize when there are slightly different versions of the same story, as we often find in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Today’s reading from Mark does not exist in the earliest Greek manuscripts of his Gospel. Most scholars agree that these final verses were added later to the original text. Should this trouble us as Christians about the reliability of God’s word? For me, it invites an open mind and prayer that includes honest questions: “God, what are you saying to me as your follower and friend?”
Jesus returns from the dead. His disciples are full of doubt. But gathered at the table with him, everything becomes clear once again.
The Bible is the Word of God but it comes alive in God’s Spirit. Ask that living Spirit into your prayer and understanding today!
—Joe Kraemer, SJ, is a scholastic of the Jesuits West Province in his second year of Theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.
Dear God,
Jesus found Mary crying at his tomb,
But when he spoke her name
Such joy seized her heart.
Claim our hearts this Easter season!
Help keep us awake to your unfolding plan.
Help us be where you want us to be.
Help us be patient and ready for you.
In a special way, dear Lord, help us when
We feel most lost or unclear about the
Message you have for each one of us.
Lift our disbelief. Lead our hearts.
Inspire us in new and creative ways.
For the empty tomb
Must have terrified your friends.
With no idea where you’d gone,
The future must have seemed
So hopeless and bleak.
But in the morning you returned.
You had not left us alone.
May that sacred Easter light
Bless us, your trusting followers.
May it excite new friends to know you!
May it fill us all with greater
Faith, hope and love for you.
Amen.
—Joe Kraemer, SJ
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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