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Chapter 16 gives us two
alternate endings to the Gospel. The rst, called “The Longer Ending,” recounts several appearances of the risen Christ to his followers. The emphasis is on the lack of faith of the disciples, who do not believe until the risen Christ appears in their midst. Jesus “rebuked them” for not believing these witnesses. Who are the witnesses to Christ whose testimony you believe? Evangelists like Mark? Saints of the past? Pastors, preachers, friends, family members?
“The Shorter Ending” simply describes the women delivering the message of the angel to the disciples, who are here called “Peter’s companions.” Both endings conclude with the mission of the disciples, who are to take the proclamation of the Gospel to the world.
Icon of the Ascension of the Lord by Joan Brand-Landkamer
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The Shorter Ending: Found after Mk 16:8 before the Longer Ending in four seventh-to- ninth-century Greek manuscripts as well as in one Old Latin version, where it appears alone without the Longer Ending.
The Freer Logion: Found after Mk 16:14 in a fourth- fth century manuscript preserved in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, this ending was known to Jerome in the fourth century. It reads: “And they excused themselves, saying, ‘This age of lawlessness and unbelief is under Satan, who does not allow the truth and power of God to prevail over the unclean things dominated by the spirits [or, does not allow the unclean things dominated by the spirits to grasp the truth and power of God]. Therefore reveal your righteousness now.’ They spoke to Christ. And Christ responded to them, ‘The limit of the years of Satan’s power is completed, but other terrible things draw near. And for those who sinned I was handed over to death, that they might return to the truth and no longer sin, in order that they might inherit the spiritual and incorruptible heavenly glory of righteousness. But. . . .’”
j. [16:18] Mt 10:1; Lk 10:19; Acts 28:3–6. k. [16:19] Lk 24:50–53
l. [16:20] 1 Tm 3:16.
MARK 
will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”j The Ascension of Jesus. 19So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.k 20But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.]l
THE SHORTER ENDING
[And they reported all the instructions briefly to Peter’s companions. Afterwards Jesus himself, through them, sent forth from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen.]