Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist
Today’s first reading is written by St. Peter as he instructs the new Christian community trying to live out their discipleship in the midst of persecution and suffering. As I read this scripture, there were many points of guidance that ring true for us as we navigate the many challenges of being a follower of Christ in the midst of a pandemic. We too are “called to go into the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” and the advice St. Peter had for the early church can be a source of encouragement for us as well.
“Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another.” St Peter knows that Jesus’ life shows us the perfect way to live humbly. Just like the early Christians, we sometimes can have a tendency to believe that we have all the right ideas, and think we are in control. Jesus, during His life, was the perfect example of humility. He did not seek praise or honor for himself, but surrendered totally to the Father and His will. We are called to do the same.
“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” St. Peter is reminding the early faith community to remember God’s great love for them. I know that it would be difficult if not impossible to live through these challenging days, unless I had a great sense of God’s immeasurable love. I see God’s love in the people who are giving of themselves in service (health care workers, essential workers, first responders.) I also see God’s love in the amazing beauty of the world as spring erupts around us. It is this God of love that I cast my worries upon as I face each day.
“Knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings” St. Peter reminds the early community that they are united in Christ. There is a solidarity that is shared by all. Today, as disciples we are called to recognize that same solidarity. This pandemic is a global suffering, and one that we share with all people. We are called to not only pray and reach out to our neighbors in town and in our country, but our prayers and support must go out to other nations, particularly the most in need.
“Christ will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you” St. Peter is offering comfort to those who suffer. When St. Peter shared these words of comfort, the early church still had great trials and suffering ahead. He is explaining that God is in charge and God will provide all that we need to endure these difficulties. As disciples today, we can lean on and trust that God’s grace will overcome all evil and adversity. We are also still in the midst of our suffering without an obvious end in sight, but St. Peter’s assurance of God’s comfort can be a source of encouragement and hope.
“Remain firm in it.” St. Peter reminds his fellow disciples that they must remain firm in the faith that they have been given despite the persecution and difficulties they were facing. As disciples, we too must stand firm on the faith that Christ has overcome evil and sin, and the mercy and love of God will prevail. Through prayer, scripture, and our community of believers we are called to keep our eyes on Christ.
“The Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” The gospel reading today gives us the greatest key to being a disciple- Christ’s presence with us! Christ is with us and will work with us and through us in the signs that we give to the world. Serving others, our love for all people, the comfort that we share, and our faith in God’s goodness will be the way we “proclaim the Gospel to every creature” as disciples of Christ. In the early church, it was the great witness of the early disciples that allowed the church to flourish. May our lives be examples of God’s presence among us, so others may also come to know the goodness of God!
Loving Father, like the community of the early church, we are struggling amidst much suffering. Jesus gives us the perfect path to surrendering our trust to you. With the grace of your Spirit, give us the love, peace, courage and wisdom to live like Jesus as His disciples. May all that we do and say give you glory and praise. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
- Marylynn Herchline