9 Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved. 12 After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. 13 They went away and told it to the rest. They didn’t believe them, either.

14 Afterward he was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation."

Mark 16:9-15 - World English Bible

From the time of Church Fathers onward, Mark 16:9-20 has been considered controversial. The tone and style of the text argue against its originality to the gospel; instead, many people consider it an addition to Mark. Nonetheless, all Christian denominations consider these verses inspired.

The text summed up some of the traditions found in the other gospels. Mary Magdalene first saw the Risen Lord and reported his appearance to the grieving disciples (16:9-11). The two from Emmaus (Luke 24:35-48) related their experience with him, but they were doubted (16:12-13). Finally, he appeared to the Eleven, chastised them for their lack of faith and gave the apostolic commission (16:14-15). Notice, he commanded them to go everywhere and " preach the Good News to the whole creation." Evangelization was to not only be universal, but to be cosmic in scope. The message of the Lord's rising was not limited to time, place or audience. It was meant to permeate all relationships, all parts of life, everything we come into contact with. The Good News was more than life changing; it changed the universe we inhabit.

Has the Good News changed your world?