25 Apr
Sat
ST MARK, EVANGELIST
1 Pt. 5:5-14
Ps. 88(89):2-3,6-7,16-17
Mk. 16:15-20
(Psalter proper)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Mark the evangelist. The first reading indicates that after Jesus' death and resurrection, Mark traveled with Peter to spread the Gospel. At the time of this letter, the two were likely in Rome.

The Gospel according to Mark is the earliest and shortest of the four Gospels. Among its themes, Mark includes the topic of suffering. After Jesus is recognized as the Messiah, Jesus emphasizes to the disciples the necessity of suffering. Christ's direct acknowledgement of suffering was likely a great comfort to members of the early Church, who themselves were suffering persecution. It is still consoling today. The Gospel according to Mark also portrays Jesus' disciples as imperfect people who were at times fearful and slow to understand. Acknowledging that even the Apostles had flaws reminds us that our shortcomings need not keep us from God.

In today's text, Mark describes Jesus' commission to go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole of creation. It is a succinct and powerful call to share the Gospel of Christ with all people. It also points out that, not only humanity but, all of creation hungers to experience the salvation of Christ.



Lord, you gave St Mark the grace to spread the Gospel. Help me to share the Good News in the life You have given me.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the Lord may bless the farmers' work with an abundant harvest and sensitize the richer populations to the drama of hunger in the world.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2009. All rights reserved.