“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15

One of my first “go” experiences was when I gave a testimony in Hong Kong speaking in Mandarin and English. I seldom speak in Mandarin and would rather use Fookien, another Chinese dialect. It was also my first time to share my encounter with Jesus in public.

But God helped me by showing me a Mandarin Bible in the hotel. I also got myself a Mandarin dictionary. And because I said yes to speak, God gave me the confidence to do it. I saw my listeners’ wide smiles as I shared God’s generosity and blessing in my life. I also saw teary eyes as I recounted how He saw me through my difficult times and the miracles I had received in my life’s journey.

More than two decades later, I still follow the same mission order — leading people to a personal relationship with Jesus. I pray over people for them to become bearers of the Good News.

By proclaiming His Word, my present is better than the past, and I have been blessed beyond my imagination. Donna España (donna.espana@yahoo.com)

Reflect: Surrender yourself to God’s will, and He will make you fishers of men. Follow Jesus.

Thank You, Jesus, for calling me to be a bearer of Good News to all nations.

St. Mark, evangelist, pray for us.

Mark probably accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys. Paul, as with all good leaders, would train men to follow in his footsteps and prepare them to take over the ministry. This is what Jesus did when He formed His Apostles and disciples. Let us look for someone who will be a mentor to us, and in turn, be a mentor to and train those who serve with us in our ministry work.

1 Peter 5:5-14

5 Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. 10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen. 12 I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. 13 The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

P S A L M 

Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

1 [2] The favors of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 5 [6] The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord, and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 [7] For who in the skies can rank with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the sons of God? (R) 15 [16] Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk. 16 [17] At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted. (R)

GOSPEL 

This portion and a few lines before this were probably added later on to today’s Gospel. It is likely that Mark ended with the empty tomb, leaving the reader to supply any further details regarding the evangelization of people. This text commissions us to go into the world with the Good News. May we heed this call and respond to it diligently.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Today, I pray for: __________________________________