Go! Proclaim The Gospel To The Whole World
Introduction
A disciple of Peter, Mark, in the shortest of the four Gospels, writes in simple words how with Jesus came the time of salvation and repentance. He shows Jesus both as the Son of God and the Son of Man, whose life led to his death, but who revealed himself fully in the resurrection. The disciple must follow his master.
1 Reading: 1 Peter 5:5B-14
Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud but bestows favour on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen. I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Responsorial Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. or: R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD,
and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies can rank with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the sons of God? R.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted. R.
Alleluia: 1Corinthians 1:23A-24B
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified;
he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Mark 16:15-20
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They 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.” Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Commentary
It pleads me to use a short but incisive words of the Holy Father for today’s reflection. Be taught and touched by them.
WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER
It is a boundless mission — that is, literally without boundaries — which surpasses human strength. Jesus says, in fact: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15). The task which Jesus entrusts to a small group of common men lacking great intellectual capacity seems truly too bold! Yet this small company, insignificant compared to the great powers of the world, is sent to bring the message of Jesus’ love and mercy to every corner of the earth. (Regina Coeli, 13 May 2018)
(cf. www.vaticannews.va)
Blessing
May we too be people of the word of God, who know it, put it into practice and spread it, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
St Mark the Evangelist — Pray for Us!