mark's-man
"Then He told them: 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.' " —Mark 16:15
Mark ends his Gospel with Jesus' command to proclaim the good news. He begins his Gospel proclaiming: "Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mk 1:1). He divides his Gospel into two parts. Each part culminates in proclaiming Jesus as Messiah (Mk 8:29) and the Son of God (Mk 15:39). Mark proclaims Jesus from the beginning to the end of his Gospel. He boasts of nothing but the Lord (2 Cor 10:17; 1 Cor 1:31).
During this Easter season, are you becoming more and more like Mark? Is the name "Jesus" on the tip of your tongue? Do you want to shout from the rooftops that Jesus is alive and risen from the dead? (Lk 12:3) Is "Jesus" the last word on your lips before you fall asleep? In the morning, when your eyes open, does your mouth open and say the name above all names, "Jesus"? (Phil 2:9)
From the beginning to the end of life, "Jesus" is the only name by which we can be saved. "There is no salvation in anyone else" (Acts 4:12). Remove the bushel basket of fear and sin; proclaim Jesus our risen Lord!
Prayer: Father, may I read several chapters of Mark's Gospel today and be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Promise: "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you." —1 Pt 5:7
Praise: Although St. Mark ran from suffering and persecution (Acts 13:13), he later proclaimed Jesus at all costs.
Reference: (Celebrate St. Mark's feast day by ordering our Simple Reading Guide to Matthew and Mark.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, November 15, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 16, 2001