Slow To Believe

In Mark's account of the Resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who immediately believed and ran to tell the apostles and others who were mourning and weeping over his death, but they did not believe.  Two disciples encountered him while walking away from Jerusalem, but even their testimony did not convince the doubters.  (cf. Mk 16: 9-1 1).  John tells us of Thomas's doubt, so familiar to us.  (cf Jn 21: 24-29).  We might ask, "Why were they so slow to believe?  Jesus had predicted his death and resurrection, how dense could they be?"  But if we look at our own lives, we can ask the same question, so slow are we to believe that Jesus is risen and is with us every step of the way.  We might dismiss this as pious dribble, but indeed it is true.  How many times do we have to be given "signs" before we believe?  Jesus is bending over backwards through the Scriptures, sacraments, events, and people in our lives to verify that indeed HE'S ALIVE and invites us to allow him to transform our disbelief into belief.   Alas, we are so slow to believe, so slow to move.  Jesus, wake me up, shake me up, speed up my belief in you!
Bro. Rene