“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.”
(Mark 16:15-16)
Our gospel for today taken from Mark 16:15-18 is a powerful passage where Jesus gives the Great Commission to His disciples. Here are some key lessons we can learn from this passage:
Universal Mission: Jesus commands His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. This emphasizes the universal nature of the Christian mission, reminding us that the message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of background or location.
Faith and Baptism: Jesus highlights the importance of belief and baptism for salvation. This teaches us that faith in Jesus and the act of baptism are essential steps in the journey of a Christian.
Signs of Believers: Jesus mentions that certain signs will accompany those who believe, such as casting out demons, speaking in new languages, handling serpents, and healing the sick. These signs demonstrate the power and authority given to believers through their faith in Jesus.
Empowerment and Authority: The passage shows that Jesus empowers His followers with authority to perform miraculous acts. This reminds us that as believers, we are equipped with the Holy Spirit to carry out God's work and overcome spiritual challenges.
Responsibility to Share the Gospel: The Great Commission is a call to action for all Christians. It reminds us of our responsibility to share the Good News with others and to be active participants in spreading the message of Jesus.
Reflecting on these lessons can help us understand our role in God's plan and inspire us to live out our faith with purpose and dedication.
Go forth into the world so wide,
Proclaim the Gospel, far and near.
To every creature, let it be known,
The message of salvation clear.
Whoever believes and is baptized,
In grace and love, they shall be saved.
But those who turn away, deny,
In darkness, they remain enslaved.
With faith, we carry forth His light,
To spread His word, to heal and mend.
In every heart, His truth ignite,
Until the very end.
Lord Jesus, You have called us to spread Your Word, To every corner of the earth, Your voice be heard. Grant us the courage to proclaim Your name, To share Your love, and spread Your flame.
For those who believe and are baptized in Your grace, May they find salvation, in Your holy embrace. Guide us, Lord, in this mission divine, To bring Your light, and let it shine.
For those who turn away, in darkness they remain, Help us to reach them, to ease their pain. With Your authority, we stand strong and true, In Your name, we find strength anew.
Amen.
Pericope:
The Longer Ending
THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ELEVEN
Mark 16:12-18
Gospel Acclamation
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Gospel | Mark 16:15-18
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.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
