REFLECTIONS TODAY
When we turn on the TV for the newscast, when we read through the front page of a newspaper, or when we course through the digital media, we often feel weighed down and overwhelmed by the staggering amount of bad news reaching us: political crises, natural disasters, accidents, economic stamps, financial scandals, etc. Sometimes we have the impression that the mass media have nothing but bad to report.
Yes, how refreshing it would feel to hear some good news once in a while! Is this not a spontaneous desire of our hearts? When we meet someone and ask, “What’s new?” do we not rejoice when a person can give us a piece of good news? The first words of Jesus in the great commissioning he gave his disciples before departing for heaven were these: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel (Good News) to every creature” (v 15).
This good news is that we are loved by God despite our sinfulness, that we are called to be brothers on this beautiful planet, that life has therefore dignity and meaning, that death is only a passage into everlasting life. If ever there was such good news, surely this one is! Are we aware of our wonderful mission? Are we eager to bring the Good News to a world which is famished for good news?
First Reading • 1 Pt 5:5b-14
Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud/ but bestows favor on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.
The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.
I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 89
“Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • Mark 16:15-20
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
“These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.