Homily for April 25, 2018.
“And
these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out
demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they
drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the
sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17-18.
Today is the Feast day of St. Mark. One thing that stands out
about this great man was that he was a close assistant of St. Peter. He not
only accompanied Peter in his missionary journeys, he was his secretary. St.
Mark, being learned was the first person to write down the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. This Gospel was basically what he heard St. Peter preach whenever they
went on missionary outreaches.
It is not surprising that today’s first reading comes from a
selection of the first letter of Peter where he even refers to Mark as a son.
In the same letter, we find some of the best advice for the Christian life
which Peter must have taught Mark:
One; Humility especially towards fellow human beings. Never
assume you are better than anyone else. You are only different.
Secondly; Worry Less. St. Peter says: “Cast your anxieties on
God for he cares about you.” The more you pray with faith, the less tensed you
become. Trust that God knows your name, he is your biggest lover and he is
All-powerful.
Thirdly; St. Peter says: Be on Guard; be sober (opposite of
drunkenness) and watchful. Stand up against the devil. Resist him, firm in your
faith. Do not fall asleep in your spiritual life. Do not give room for bad
thoughts to grow in your heart, do not skip your daily prayers, do not let sin
grow in you in the name of catching fun or enjoying life.
With these three keys; humility, less worry and watchfulness in
spiritual matters, the devil cannot mess with you. Indeed, the sky is your
limit. Mark was attentive in his spiritual life so much so that he was able to
remember the preaching of Peter which he then committed into writing. Again,
even as he wrote, we know he was inspired by the Holy Spirit who is the real
author of the Bible.
Today, we read the concluding part of Mark’s Gospel which though
similar to the conclusion of the other Gospels particularly emphasizes the fact
that God worked with the Apostles confirming the message they preached with
signs and wonders. Of course, Mark was referring to the miracles worked by
Peter which include the healing of the man lame from birth at the beautiful
gate, the raising of Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead and so many others.
The life of Mark teaches us the virtue of humility in service.
Mark served Peter as a son would serve his father. This is unlike many of us
today who soon grow tired of answering “yes sir, yes sir.” We want to be on our
own, we want to build our own churches by fire or by force.
Another lesson we learn from Mark is that he was quick to commit
the Gospel he heard to writing. It was from him that the other Gospel writers
copied. I urge you to start keeping a journal today. Even if it is only one
line you write every day, just do it. If you cannot write, at least learn how
to type and start keeping an electronic diary. It may save the life of
generations to come after you.
Above all, let us be humble, cast our worries to God, be
vigilant in prayers and continue to spread the Gospel message. It is not for us
to seek out signs for display, God himself would work signs and wonders that we
would even be shocked to see.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, use me like St. Mark, use my talents,
use my time, my energy, use me completely and in any way possible to spread
your kingdom. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of St. Mark. Bible Study: 1st
Peter 5:5-14 and Mark 16:15-20).
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