4/25/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: Mark 16:15-20

15 Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believes and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believes not shall be condemned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues.
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.
19 And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God.
20 But they going forth preached everywhere: the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs that followed.

4/25/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 16:15-20

In this gospel reading, we are presented with Jesus’ final commands to His disciples — a call that extends through the ages to all who follow Him. This passage, known as the Great Commission, is a foundational moment for Christianity, highlighting the responsibility and the power vested in believers.

Jesus commands, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” This directive is profound in its simplicity and monumental in its scope. It is not merely an invitation; it is an imperative to be ambassadors of God’s love and truth, reaching every corner of the earth. This mission transcends geographical, cultural, and social barriers, emphasizing that the message of Christ is universal, meaning, it is intended for every person, in every situation.

Moreover, Jesus promises that signs will accompany those who believe: they will cast out demons, speak new languages, and overcome deadly threats unharmed. These signs are tokens of God’s sovereignty and the Holy Spirit’s power working through believers, affirming the gospel’s truth and vitality. This supernatural endorsement was not just for the apostles but is a continuing reassurance for us today that God empowers and protects His messengers.

Finally, as Jesus is taken up into heaven, the disciples go out and preach everywhere, with the Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs. This collaboration between the divine and the human illustrates a beautiful partnership — God does not leave His followers to carry out His commands alone but is actively involved, supporting and enabling them.

As modern-day disciples, we are called to embrace this Great Commission with the same zeal and trust in God’s power. Whether through our words or our actions, in our homes, communities, or across the globe, we are to be carriers of the light and love of Christ. Let this passage inspire you to step out in faith, to spread the good news, and to witness the mighty hand of God moving in and through your life as you fulfill His call.

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