25-Jan-17

Gospel MK 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 recovery."
Reflection:
It is fair to say that it is questionable whether Mark 16:15-18 was written by Mark or it is something added by his followers since it is not included by all ancient authorities. "Some of the most ancient authorities bring the book to a close at the end of verse 8." (NRSVCE)
Nevertheless, in this passage the writer sets forth "signs" of how a follower of Christ was defined two thousand years ago.
Let's examine it from a modern day perspective.
"These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons......."
If taken literally, the idea of driving out demons may seem frightening or even ridiculous in today's world.
But, in fact, the demons of alcohol and drug addictions are being driven out of people every day. To drive such demons out necessitates the cooperation (faith) of the "possessed" person and the help of someone who believes in the power of God to overcome any difficultly that person is going through. Faith based organizations operate detoxes that help people to "drive out" the demons of alcohol and drugs every day.
"....they will speak new languages....."
When Christians encounter the underprivileged, the downtrodden, the faint of heart, those who have been discriminated against, we speak to them in a "new language." The language of love is born in us though our belief in Jesus' message of the Father's unconditional love for all of His children.
When we hand someone who doesn't speak English a crucifix at the end of the delivery of furniture, there are no language barriers.
"They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them."
Scripture often uses expressions that exaggerate, i.e., "He said to them, "....For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move..." (Matthew 17:20)
I have yet to see any person of great faith actually move a mountain. When exaggerations are used in scripture, I believe it is the writer's way of telling us that if we have a strong faith in the power of Jesus Christ than there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome.
"They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recovery."
Simply because we are believers in Christ does not mean we can dictate to Christ the outcome of another's life. As Christians we visit the sick and encourage them in their infirmity. We bring comfort by our physical presence and make known God's love and forgiveness. Through our presence, Christ is able to strengthen their spirit and their faith.
Scripture is most helpful to us when it is read in the context of the world in which we live.
"Discovery consists of looking at the same old thing with new eyes." - - Unknown