PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS
Mark,
the evangelist, was a disciple of Peter. In his Gospel account, you
will notice his constant references to Peter. It was from Peter that
Mark learned about the life and person of Jesus. Mark presents a simple
and vivid account of the humanity of Jesus, not so much in what Jesus
said but what He did. Various themes abound in Mark’s work including the
messianic secret, discipleship, and the misunderstandings of the
disciples as they grapple with the mystery of the person of Jesus. Mark
is often associated with an image of the (winged) lion depicting the
royal line of Jesus, the Son of David. Tradition tells us that Mark set
up community in
Alexandria.
The
Gospel today gives us a succinct account of Jesus’ ascension, bringing
to the end His earthly life. It now completes what was begun –
baptizing, preaching, teaching and healing. In and through our lives, we
proclaim the Good News. The Gospel tells us of the various signs that
accompany those who believe: casting out devils, speaking in tongues,
picking up snakes, unharmed when drinking deadly poison, and healing the
sick. These miracles were attributed to the first disciples in the
foundation of this new community of faith. But they need not stop with
the early disciples. Miracles can and still happen. Each day we wake up
to a new day of
opportunities to heal, teach, pray and lead people to Christ. The
baptized have a duty to see that the Good News is proclaimed, perhaps
not through words but by the simple witness of a faithful life.
People
of faith inspire us with their lives. They preach the Gospel by their
very lives of faithfulness to the Lord. They witness to God who protects
us in harmful or threatening situations. They witness healing of the
Lord through their hands or comforting words. We are to imitate these
people of faith. Where do we find them? They are among our peers,
colleagues and acquaintances at work and recreation. They are found
among family members, in church or in shopping centers. Wherever these
believers go, they preach through their lives. Are you one of them? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How can you advance the Gospel in your life? Mark has set an example. What can you do to complete it?
Lord Jesus, thank You for the grace to witness to my faith. May I show it through my life. Amen.
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