"Be a Witness Today"

Today's Mass Readings

The Church celebrates the feast of Mark the evangelist, the author of the first gospel. Mark was in all probability a Gentile Christian who closely followed the apostle Peter. His gospel is addressed to a primarily to non-Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. Thus, Jesus is presented as one who accepts suffering as the cost for following God’s will. The first reading (1 Peter 5: 5b-14) is the suggested reading for mass today because it gives us Marks identity as the disciple of Peter (1 Peter 5:13). However, the message of the first reading is provides excellent advice to any disciple of Jesus. They are encouraged even during their persecution to conduct themselves as disciples. Their lives should be characterized by humility (5:6), trust in God (5:7), sobriety and vigilance against evil (5:8), steadfastness in faith (5:9) and the willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ (5:9).

The gospel reading from Mark reminds us of the necessity of Christian witness. Mark 16:20 tells us that “the disciples went forth and preached everywhere.” Mark himself accompanied Peter in his work. In fact, the rapid spread of Christianity is unparalleled in any other religion. This is simply because, with humility, trust, vigilance, faith and willing to suffer the consequences genuine disciples of Jesus remained obedient to the mission entrusted to them by Christ and his apostles.

Perhaps modern day Christians guided by secularism are encouraged to practice their religious faith in private. In contrast, we look upon disciples like Peter and Mark and marvel at their courageous witness of Christ. The Church today is the fruit of their sacrifice. The future of the church, then, depends on our witness. This mission is too light for us to take lightly. It is entrusted to us by Christ himself. BE A WITNESS TODAY!!!