Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 16:15-20) comes from the very end of the Gospel of Mark. This passage is referred to as the Long Ending because it tells of the ascension of Christ into heaven. Before Christ departs this world, he provides instructions for his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole of creation.” Christ tells us that “he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Christ is telling us that there is power in belief. He tells us that if we truly believe we will be able to cast out demons, speak in new tongues, pick up serpents and drink deadly things without being hurt. He also tells us that we will be able to lay hands on the sick and make them better. Jesus’ ascension into Heaven marked a new beginning; a new gift given to man through God. This last passage of Mark is very simple, very short and very full of hope. This one passage described the whole of Christ’s mission on earth; to save man from his sins and to free him from the afflictions which keep him from God. The passage tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Although Jesus is now in heaven, “the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it.” We continue to see the signs today. Through the power of prayer, people are healed and miracles continue to happen. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, continues to reach down to earth to set us free from the bondage of sins.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the gift of the Holy Spirit,

You fill me with an unending spirit of praise and joy.

May I be a witness to those around me of the gospel

and the reality of your resurrection.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon