Tuesday, April 25, 2006MeditationMark 16:15-20
Readings
The New Testament includes several references to the Mark whom St. Peter mentions in today’s first reading. Also known as John Mark, he was the cousin of Barnabas, whom he accompanied, along with Paul, on their first journey to Cyprus. Later, he worked closely with Peter in Rome and became the apostle’s trusted companion. Tradition tells us that Mark evangelized in Alexandria, and some believe he was the young boy in Gethsemane who ran away from the soldiers without his garment (Mark 14:51-52). Finally, he is revered as the author of the Gospel that bears his name.
Have you ever thought about what Mark must have seen? When we read the words of Jesus preserved in his Gospel, we get a sense that Mark saw some of the “signs” that accompany those who believe (Mark 16:17). After all, he both wrote about and ministered alongside of some of the most renowned preachers of his day. Casting out demons, healing the sick, speaking in new tongues, being unharmed when picking up snakes or drinking poison—these spectacular-sounding feats seemed to be common in the early church.
Mark described many of Jesus’ marvelous works. Instead of including Jesus’ lengthier sermons, which we find in the other Gospels, Mark focuses more on his power over sickness and evil. But as today’s reading shows, the miracles are not supposed to stop with Jesus. Mark expects that Christians of all eras will share the role of wonder workers in order to bring others to believe.
What do you think? Like Mark, do you expect the Holy Spirit to intervene in your life so that God’s kingdom will be manifested? Or do you consider miracles as relics of the past? It may be hard to expect to see healings or spectacular signs. And certainly, we shouldn’t go around looking for snakes to handle or poison to drink. But God does still want to manifest his kingdom in powerful, amazing ways. Maybe as we honor Mark today we can ask the Holy Spirit to give us a greater confidence in him—a confidence that will send us out into the world as his instruments of grace.
“Holy Spirit, use me to bring God’s kingdom into the world! I don’t want to stand in your way. Help me to expect great things from you, to bring others to believe!”
1 Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89:2-3,6-7,16-17
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Ed
