Gospel
Mark 16:15-20
15 Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. 18 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.” 19 Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. 20 But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Introduction
This passage often referred to as the Great Commission, is a significant passage in the New Testament. In this passage, Jesus gives His disciples the mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.
The disciples were instructed to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. They were to preach Christ as the Saviour of sinners, call upon all men everywhere to repent, believe, and follow Him. They were also commanded to baptize. Baptism was not only a symbolical ordinance, but it was also a consecrated ordinance. It was to be the signet of a new life and the attest of discipleship.
Background
Mark’s account emphasizes that signs would accompany those who believe. By using Jesus’ name, they would cast out demons, speak in new tongues, pick up snakes, drink any deadly thing without harm, and heal the sick. The disciples were to teach all things which Christ had commanded them. They were to teach the things which pertained to the Kingdom of God.
Learning Lessons
This passage underscores the importance of faith, baptism, and the miraculous signs that follow believers. It also marks the beginning of the disciples’ mission to spread the Gospel, a mission that continues with believers today.
It’s a reminder that each of us is called into the ministry of Jesus in some way. We are called to be ‘other Christs’, to be people who wish to make known and spread the love of God and his care for his people in the world.
It ends with the assurance that the Lord works with us and confirms His word by the signs that accompany it. This gives us confidence in our Christian journey.
Reflection for the Day
When we struggle with our faith, we must persevere and understand that better days are ahead if we remain faithful. We can take comfort in knowing that when our faith gets shaken, God’s love remains steadfast. Let us pray for a stronger faith and act on our faith.
Poem
In the realm where faith and spirit blend,
The Lord works with us, a truest friend.
His word confirmed by signs that never end,
Miraculous, Holy-Spirit-powered, they descend.
A testament to God's power, so grand,
Accompanying faith in Jesus, across the land.
In our hearts, His love forever stands,
A beacon of hope, in His holy hands.
We are gardeners in the field of grace,
Nurturing new believers, each a unique face.
Helping them grow, at their own pace,
In the warmth of faith, they find their place.
When faith falters, and shadows loom,
Persevere we must, dispelling gloom.
For better days ahead, will surely bloom,
God's love remains, dispelling doom.
Let us pray for faith, strong and bright,
A beacon in the day, a star in the night.
Putting faith into action, with all our might,
Sharing the Good News, is our sacred rite.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and grace. We recognize that You work with us, confirming Your word by the signs that accompany it. These miraculous and Holy-Spirit-powered signs are a testament to Your power, a power that accompanies faith in You.
We pray for the strength to nurture new believers, to guide them, and help them grow in their faith. May we be instruments of Your love, reflecting Your light in their lives.
When we struggle with our faith, remind us to persevere. Help us understand that better days are ahead if we remain faithful. In times of doubt, may we find comfort in knowing that even when our faith gets shaken, Your love remains steadfast.
We pray for a stronger faith, a faith that moves mountains, a faith that withstands the storms of life. Empower us to put our faith into action by sharing the Good News of Your love and salvation with others.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope
The Longer Ending
THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ELEVEN / THE ASCENSION OF JESUS
Mark 16:14-18 / 19-20
Gospel Acclamation
We proclaim Christ crucified; he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Source
Conversation with Copilot
Publlished
May 12, 2024, 7,35 PM