Lectionary: 58B
Read the Gospel: Mark 16:15-20
Gospel Summary
Many Scripture scholars think that this section was added to Mark’s Gospel in order to make it compatible with the endings of the other Gospels. Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he commissioned his disciples to go into all the world and to proclaim the Gospel to every creature. The disciples did as the Lord commanded, and the Gospel tells us “the Lord worked with them.”
Reflection for Parents
There is an old expression, “preaching to the choir.” It is easy to preach to the choir because those in the choir already believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ. The challenge for every disciple is to carry the Good News to all people—even to, and especially to, those who are not a part of the choir. Pope Francis suggested one small way to do this when he stated in The Joy of the Gospel that the greatest evangelizer is a joyful Christian. Take time to think about his words today. Are you a joyful Christian? Do people see the gift of joy evident in your life? Do they hear it in your words? Pray for an increase in the gift of joy that others—including those in your own family—may be drawn to Christ through you.
Bringing the Good News Into Your Family
Share Pope Francis’ words with your family. Invite each family member to share how he or she sees joy alive in your family and in the world today. Brainstorm ways your family can share the joy of the Good News with others, and make an action plan to do so at least once in the coming week.
Discussion Starters
Instead of discussion starters today, search your parish bulletin for opportunities to share the Good News with others through ministries of service. Decide on one way that you, as a family, will respond to an opportunity to serve. Also search the Internet to learn more about organizations that share the Good News by serving the needs of others throughout the world. Visit crs.org (Catholic Relief Services), maryknoll.org (Maryknoll missionaries), unbound.org (Unbound outreach to children and the aged), and habitat.org (Habitat for Humanity).
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