The story of Jesus' resurrection is rich in theological symbolism. The focus on the young man's statement that affirms Jesus resurrection ('He has been raised' - 16.6) is linked to the place of absence and loneliness. For Mark's audience their experience of divine absence opens them to the possibility of God's resurrected act in them. The original final verse of the Gospel (16.8) is not a statement of failure but an invitation to openness on the part of the listener who is invited to go back over Mark's Gospel to understand why this ending is so appropriate. This requires conversion of heart ('metanoia'), alertness and the ability to see deeply--qualities associated with discipleship affirmed earlier in the Gospel.

Notes (from the Catholic Parish of Lockleys in South Australia--www.lockleysparish.com) that accompanies this presentation can be found here.