April 25, 2024 - St. Mark (replacing Thu. of 4th Week of Easter)
May the Lord Jesus continue to fill you with joy, especially as you proclaim the GOoD News to others.
I try to keep up with what is happening in the world by listening to news on the radio or watching parts of a news program on television. One of the problems with newscasts is that they are filled with more bad news, such as how the sicknesses have spread, civil unrest, conflicts between nations, bad weather, fires, murders, etc. Bad news often leads people to listen more attentively than when positive, upbeat news is broadcast. Yet, the GOoD News is that on which we should focus. We are called to be people of GOoD News. We are invited to not only experience the GOoD News but to proclaim it to all the world. We may have heard how certain people have brought a little GOoD News to others by interacting in a positive way. We have also been told the GOoD News of people helping Ukrainians or rescuing a man trapped in a burning car, or others during their time of trouble.
We are reminded of that today, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist. Let us celebrate St. Mark again this year (and everyday), and be bearers of GOoD News as he was. And let us joyfully proclaim the GOoD News not just in what we say, but more importantly in what we do, even if it is only from afar.
I pray today for all who call upon the patronage of St. Mark (including people of Venice, Italy and San Marcos, California) and all who bear the name of Mark: Marc, Marcos, Marcus, Markus, Markette, Marcie, etc.
May the Lord Jesus continue to fill you with joy, especially as you proclaim the GOoD News to others.
I try to keep up with what is happening in the world by listening to news on the radio or watching parts of a news program on television. One of the problems with newscasts is that they are filled with more bad news, such as how the sicknesses have spread, civil unrest, conflicts between nations, bad weather, fires, murders, etc. Bad news often leads people to listen more attentively than when positive, upbeat news is broadcast. Yet, the GOoD News is that on which we should focus. We are called to be people of GOoD News. We are invited to not only experience the GOoD News but to proclaim it to all the world. We may have heard how certain people have brought a little GOoD News to others by interacting in a positive way. We have also been told the GOoD News of people helping Ukrainians or rescuing a man trapped in a burning car, or others during their time of trouble.
We are reminded of that today, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist. Let us celebrate St. Mark again this year (and everyday), and be bearers of GOoD News as he was. And let us joyfully proclaim the GOoD News not just in what we say, but more importantly in what we do, even if it is only from afar.
I pray today for all who call upon the patronage of St. Mark (including people of Venice, Italy and San Marcos, California) and all who bear the name of Mark: Marc, Marcos, Marcus, Markus, Markette, Marcie, etc.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042524.cfm
Saint Mark: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mark
Readings: 1 Peter 5: 5b-14; Psalm 89: 2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mark 16: 15-20
Today is the Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist. Evangelist has come to mean one of the authors of the four Gospels. The words “evangelist” comes from two Koine Greek words: ευ and αγγελω. The first Greek word (ευ) can mean “GOoD” or “well.” It is transliterated (letter by letter) into English letters as either “eu” or “ev.” The second word (αγγελω) means “to announce” or “to proclaim a message.” It is transliterated into English as “angelo,” from which we get the English word “angel” which means “announcer” or “messenger.” Thus, St. Mark is one who of those persons who proclaimed the “GOoD message” or “GOoD News” or “Gospel.” St. Mark’s symbol is the lion, because Mark begins his Gospel roaring out the GOoD News with these words:
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of GOD]” (Mark 1: 1).
Our readings remind us a little of what it means to be a proclaimer of GOoD News. In the First Reading, St. Peter is writing to a community that is facing persecution and trials. In his words, “Clothe yourself with humility,” he reminds his readers that if they are humble in their dealings with others, GOD will show them kindness and lift them up, even in the midst of their tough times. Following the Way often includes being tempted by the devil. The devil is prowling around like a fierce animal looking for prey. If we remain faithful to GOD, GOD will be faithful to us by restoring us, strengthening us, and edifying us even as we suffer difficulties.
Peter mentions that his greeting and GOoD News come also from his traveling companion Mark, whom he calls his son. Mark had been earlier a companion of Paul, but
later he has been working with Peter. Some of the experiences Mark relates in his Gospel probably came from Peter who, unlike Paul, was with Jesus throughout His public ministry.
The psalm echoes the GOoD and joyful part of proclaiming GOD’s message – GOD’s GOoDness. All creation rejoices in GOD’s wonderful deeds.
The Gospel is the conclusion of the Gospel according to Mark. In it we hear about Jesus’ final commissioning of his followers. He sends them to proclaim the GOoD News throughout the whole world. Jesus’ disciples and apostles will speak His words and perform GOD’s wonderful deeds as they announce and evangelize.
As I reflect on the Feast of St. Mark and the readings, I realized that the evangelizing of the world is far from over. The GOoD News must still be proclaimed. The Gospel is to be announced, not just by the four evangelists, not just by the apostles of old, but also by all who call themselves followers of the Lord Jesus. This universal mission of being disciples- apostles is the focus of Pope Francis’ book, The Joy of the Gospel.
How do we proclaim the GOoD News? Not just in words or writings. Our evangelizing must be accompanied by signs of GOoD News. I don’t mean, necessarily, miracles and unexplained wonders. People must experience the GOoD News as we treat them in a loving and caring way. They must also see the joy we have, as we live out the GOoD News in our daily life.
I am reminded, again, of the quote from St. Francis of Assisi who reportedly told his acquaintances: “Preach the Gospel (GOoD News) at all times. . .and – if necessary – use words.” We can proclaim GOD’s GOoD News to people more by the way we treat them than by the words we speak. Our current Pope Francis is a GOoD example of this. Following in the tradition of his chosen name, he has touched many people by the way he reaches out to interact with people physically and verbally. He is most often pictured with a big, joyful smile on his face. We must be like Pope Francis. Our actions often preach louder than our words. If our actions are not joyful GOoD News, people will not listen to our words about GOoD News.
To me, that is a challenge to treat people not just in the way I want people to treat me. It means I will treat them as Jesus treats me and them. If I think how Jesus has treated me, with all my sins and failings, then I can see how I should be treating others. And if I really try to look at others with Jesus’ eyes, then I will see much more deeply. I will look beyond others’ failings and faults and care for them with same compassionate love that Jesus does.
It is amazing how people are more open to hearing the words of the GOoD News when they have experienced the hands that reach out with GOoD News actions. And as I have said before, some people will not hear nor experience the GOoD News until they experience us joyfully sharing the GOoD News in the way we treat them.
How humbling it is to realize that GOD chooses to use us in the evangelization of others. No wonder that St. Peter in today’s reading tells us to clothe ourselves with humility so that GOD can show divine kindness. During the pandemic, it was touching (not necessarily physically) to see how some people were bearers of GOoD News by helping their neighbors (even from a distance) and giving others GOoD News and joy via the Internet and social media. Let us continue to rejoice in GOD’s continuing the proclamation of GOoD News and realize our roles in being evangelist – GOoD News announcers.
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen to proclaim Your GOoD News repeatedly throughout human history. First, through Your Hebrew prophets, You prepared Your people for the ultimate GOoD News – the Incarnation of Your Son and His redeeming acts. After His death and resurrection, as He prepared to return to You in His glorified body, He commissioned His followers to continue the announcing of Your GOoD News. We thank You for all those who have “faith”-fully preached Your GOoD Message to us. We thank You for choosing us to continue the ministry of being evangelists by our being people of joy and GOoD News in our actions, and if necessary and permitted, in our words. We give You all the glory and praise, now and forever in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Master- Teacher, Who is the ultimate GOoD News and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Good, Good News by Gaither Vocal Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehxHP7AO-Vc
Video of the Day: Saint Mark the Evangelist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hek-xU96So
© rjk,11-30-22
Saint Mark: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mark
Readings: 1 Peter 5: 5b-14; Psalm 89: 2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mark 16: 15-20
Today is the Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist. Evangelist has come to mean one of the authors of the four Gospels. The words “evangelist” comes from two Koine Greek words: ευ and αγγελω. The first Greek word (ευ) can mean “GOoD” or “well.” It is transliterated (letter by letter) into English letters as either “eu” or “ev.” The second word (αγγελω) means “to announce” or “to proclaim a message.” It is transliterated into English as “angelo,” from which we get the English word “angel” which means “announcer” or “messenger.” Thus, St. Mark is one who of those persons who proclaimed the “GOoD message” or “GOoD News” or “Gospel.” St. Mark’s symbol is the lion, because Mark begins his Gospel roaring out the GOoD News with these words:
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ [the Son of GOD]” (Mark 1: 1).
Our readings remind us a little of what it means to be a proclaimer of GOoD News. In the First Reading, St. Peter is writing to a community that is facing persecution and trials. In his words, “Clothe yourself with humility,” he reminds his readers that if they are humble in their dealings with others, GOD will show them kindness and lift them up, even in the midst of their tough times. Following the Way often includes being tempted by the devil. The devil is prowling around like a fierce animal looking for prey. If we remain faithful to GOD, GOD will be faithful to us by restoring us, strengthening us, and edifying us even as we suffer difficulties.
Peter mentions that his greeting and GOoD News come also from his traveling companion Mark, whom he calls his son. Mark had been earlier a companion of Paul, but
later he has been working with Peter. Some of the experiences Mark relates in his Gospel probably came from Peter who, unlike Paul, was with Jesus throughout His public ministry.
The psalm echoes the GOoD and joyful part of proclaiming GOD’s message – GOD’s GOoDness. All creation rejoices in GOD’s wonderful deeds.
The Gospel is the conclusion of the Gospel according to Mark. In it we hear about Jesus’ final commissioning of his followers. He sends them to proclaim the GOoD News throughout the whole world. Jesus’ disciples and apostles will speak His words and perform GOD’s wonderful deeds as they announce and evangelize.
As I reflect on the Feast of St. Mark and the readings, I realized that the evangelizing of the world is far from over. The GOoD News must still be proclaimed. The Gospel is to be announced, not just by the four evangelists, not just by the apostles of old, but also by all who call themselves followers of the Lord Jesus. This universal mission of being disciples- apostles is the focus of Pope Francis’ book, The Joy of the Gospel.
How do we proclaim the GOoD News? Not just in words or writings. Our evangelizing must be accompanied by signs of GOoD News. I don’t mean, necessarily, miracles and unexplained wonders. People must experience the GOoD News as we treat them in a loving and caring way. They must also see the joy we have, as we live out the GOoD News in our daily life.
I am reminded, again, of the quote from St. Francis of Assisi who reportedly told his acquaintances: “Preach the Gospel (GOoD News) at all times. . .and – if necessary – use words.” We can proclaim GOD’s GOoD News to people more by the way we treat them than by the words we speak. Our current Pope Francis is a GOoD example of this. Following in the tradition of his chosen name, he has touched many people by the way he reaches out to interact with people physically and verbally. He is most often pictured with a big, joyful smile on his face. We must be like Pope Francis. Our actions often preach louder than our words. If our actions are not joyful GOoD News, people will not listen to our words about GOoD News.
To me, that is a challenge to treat people not just in the way I want people to treat me. It means I will treat them as Jesus treats me and them. If I think how Jesus has treated me, with all my sins and failings, then I can see how I should be treating others. And if I really try to look at others with Jesus’ eyes, then I will see much more deeply. I will look beyond others’ failings and faults and care for them with same compassionate love that Jesus does.
It is amazing how people are more open to hearing the words of the GOoD News when they have experienced the hands that reach out with GOoD News actions. And as I have said before, some people will not hear nor experience the GOoD News until they experience us joyfully sharing the GOoD News in the way we treat them.
How humbling it is to realize that GOD chooses to use us in the evangelization of others. No wonder that St. Peter in today’s reading tells us to clothe ourselves with humility so that GOD can show divine kindness. During the pandemic, it was touching (not necessarily physically) to see how some people were bearers of GOoD News by helping their neighbors (even from a distance) and giving others GOoD News and joy via the Internet and social media. Let us continue to rejoice in GOD’s continuing the proclamation of GOoD News and realize our roles in being evangelist – GOoD News announcers.
- The personal question/action for today: Who has helped announce the GOoD News to me? Family members? Bible teachers? Co-journeyers along the Way? What aspect of the GOoD News has most impacted my life? How can I be an evangelist of the GOoD News to those whom I encounter (maybe only from a distance) or to whom I reach out by online messages today? This week?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, source of all GOoD News. Through Your GOoDness, You have chosen to proclaim Your GOoD News repeatedly throughout human history. First, through Your Hebrew prophets, You prepared Your people for the ultimate GOoD News – the Incarnation of Your Son and His redeeming acts. After His death and resurrection, as He prepared to return to You in His glorified body, He commissioned His followers to continue the announcing of Your GOoD News. We thank You for all those who have “faith”-fully preached Your GOoD Message to us. We thank You for choosing us to continue the ministry of being evangelists by our being people of joy and GOoD News in our actions, and if necessary and permitted, in our words. We give You all the glory and praise, now and forever in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Master- Teacher, Who is the ultimate GOoD News and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Good, Good News by Gaither Vocal Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehxHP7AO-Vc
Video of the Day: Saint Mark the Evangelist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hek-xU96So
© rjk,11-30-22