Virtually all of today's biblical scholars believe that Mark ended his gospel at 16:8, and that verses 9-20 were added later sometime at the end of the first century or beginning of the second century. For the Church, however, these verses have always been traditionally accepted as part of the inspired word of God. Therefore, it is important to consider what God wants to say to us through this passage.

Scholars point out that Mark ended the gospel abruptly at 16:8, not by mistake but with a purpose. He wanted to leave his readers with a sense of incompleteness and uncertainty. The disciples receive a message from the angel that Jesus has risen. Now they must go looking for him. Only when they go to Galilee will they see him. In the meantime, the risen Lord remains hidden from them.

Indeed, even after all that we have been through during the Easter Season and celebrated during Holy Week, we can still feel a sense of incompleteness and uncertainty. The risen Lord may continue to remain hidden from us. It means that it is not enough to celebrate Easter or to know that the Lord has risen. We must seek him constantly. And it is only when we seek to have an authentic relationship with him, will we see him.