Eternity for Today has a sense of humour. I edit my devotions to lower them to the desired number of words. Now here is a text that is often edited out of translations of Mark, or, as in the NRSV, enclosed by double brackets. Debate continues over this longer ending. Its stylistic and textual differences from the Gospel point to it not being original. Where it comes from no one is certain. It does seem known by early Christians.
To me, it serves as a “correction” to the tone of the earliest ending: “So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” (verse 8) Verses 9-18 add that the women were not afraid, but go and tell the other disciples. When those don’t believe, Jesus comes to them and tells them to be witnesses.
Could it also be that in these extra words we receive an invitation to add our story to the Easter events, so that the story continues without end?
God, your story for us fills us with new life. Help us to continue to add to it, that others might also hear it and join with us in offering praise to you. Amen. — MHD