25-Apr-16

Gospel MK 16:15-20
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.”
Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Reflection:
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."
Generally, when we hear the word "proclaim," we think of someone publicly stating their beliefs.
Not every Christian has the talent to be a great preacher. But, nevertheless, as Christians we are still called to "proclaim" our beliefs.
Each of us has the ability to follow the advice that has been attributed to Saint Francis, "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words."
Years ago, I had the privilege of bringing beds and a kitchen table and chairs to Chrissie, a single mom who was living in a one room apartment with her five year old son.
When she thanked me, I offered her the gift of a crucifix with our message, "This is the man who sent you the furniture."
Reaching up, the little boy pulled his mother's hand down to see what I had given her. Looking at the crucifix, he asked,"Who is it Mom?"
Chrissie answered, "It's Jesus! This man said he is the one who sent us the beds and kitchen table and chairs."
The little boy asked again, "But, who is HE Mom?"
Chrissie hesitated for just a moment. Then she answered, "He's the son of God. He came from heaven to tell us God loves us."
Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - - Matthew 5:16