The Gospel According to Mark 16:15-18
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.”
Reflection: Last Sunday we learned about the arrest of Saint John the Baptist. This was the moment of transition for Jesus. Before that point Jesus had been gathering the Apostles and preaching, but only on a part time basis. As long as John continued preaching and baptizing, Jesus stayed in the wings. But then John was arrested, and this became the sign.
The last prophet had been silenced, and the moment had come for Jesus, the Messiah, whom all the prophets had announced, to take center stage. When that moment came, Jesus moved to Capernaum, a larger city, in which He would begin His ministry. And then He called his first Apostles Peter, Andrew, James, and John. When Jesus met them, they were still Apostles of John the Baptist. They had spent time with Jesus and were with Him to witness His miracle at Cana, turning water into wine at the wedding feast.
Now we witness the rest of the Apostles as they are gathered with Him as He gives them their mission. He blesses them with the grace, courage, and the strength needed to overcome all the obstacles they will encounter along the way.
Action of the Day: Are you a true Apostle? How did you come to know God? Was your transition an easy one for you? It’s called a faith journey. Each of us are on our own road, some are straight and easy while others are filled with many hills, mountains, or obstacle’s.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the conversion of Saint Paul, who, on his journey, had to be knocked to the ground and blinded for him to literally find his way along the path chosen for him to find enlightenment. Google the artist Caravaggio and the conversion of Saint Paul.
Audio Reflection:
