TODAYS REFLECTION Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist, 5TH WEEK OF EASTER MON APRIL 25

TODAYS REFLECTION Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist,  5TH WEEK OF EASTER MON APRIL 25 (1Pt 5:5b-14, Mk16:15-20 )

#CALLEDTOEVANGELIZE#

Friends today the church celebrates the feast day of St. Mark, the Evangelist, the author of the second Gospel.  Mark was young when Jesus was crucified and resurrected and probably never met Jesus in the flesh. But he was obviously gifted and tasked with writing a Gospel directed to Gentile converts.

The first reading today from the first letter of St Peter stresses the need for humility.    This is something that many in this our present world struggle with. St Peter advices us to Clothe ourselves with humility in our dealings with one another, because God opposes the proud
but bestows favour on the humble, and further appeals to us to cast all our worries upon him because he cares for us, what a great assurance and consolation! .

Beloved, the Gospel of Mark is usually known for its clarity and concision. It is unique in many ways been the shortest and seems to be the earliest. Mark was an associate of Peter and likely wrote his gospel in Rome where Peter was based. Mark writes that Jesus' last words to his apostles point to his saving mission and to their mission to be witnesses of his saving death and his glorious resurrection and to proclaim the good news of salvation to all the world. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations. This task comes to all of us today.

Finally beloved, Jesus promises four basic things that will happen here. He promises that those who have faith will 1) be victorious over the evil one, 2) communicate in a new way, 3) face worldly dangers and be protected, and 4) be a source of healing for others. Merciful Lord May we witness to those around us the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection. Have a blessed week.