Travel companion of Paul and Barnabas. Author of the second gospel.
Patron of Venice. died c. 68
Invitation
May I hereby draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?
This invitation wishes to share with you the joy
of the Gospel. Everyone, no one excepted,
can experience that joy by opening their hearts
to the healing power of God’s word.
Available every day.
CONSIDERATION
Today we celebrate St Mark, author of the oldest and shortest gospel. Originating from Jerusalem, Mark spent years in Rome along with Peter and Paul. He accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey. Soberly, almost matter-of-factly, he wrote down what he knew and heard about Jesus. With his testimony of faith about Jesus, Mark wanted to inspire and encourage Christians of all times to faithfully go the way of Jesus against all criticism and resistance and to keep their hearts burning for Him. In this oldest gospel, we get to know Jesus through simple stories, in small, direct scenes. Mark probably died a martyr’s death in Venice.
FIRST READING 1 Petr. 5, 5b-14
You greet my son Mark.
From the first letter of the holy apostle Peter
Dearly beloved,
All should, in dealing with one another
be guided by humility,
for God resists the proud
but to the humble He gives grace.
Then keep yourselves small under the strong hand of God :
He will lift you up in due time.
Cast all your cares upon Him
for He cares for you.
Be sober,
wake up!
Your enemy, the devil, roams around like a roaring lion,
seeking prey to devour.
Resist him,
strong by faith.
You know that similar suffering
is the portion of your brothers all over the world.
The God of all grace
Who in Christ has called you to His eternal glory,
He Himself, after a short time of suffering, will restore and confirm you
and set you firmly on solid foundations.
To Him be strength throughout the ages of ages.
Amen.
I consider Silvanus a trustworthy fellow brother ;
with his help I have written you this short word of encouragement.
It is my firm conviction that this is the true grace of God :
Endure in it !
You salute the sister church in Babylon,
as does my son Marcus.
Greet each other with the kiss of love.
Peace to you all who are in Christ !
INTERLUDIUM Ps. 89(88), 2-3, 6-7, 16-17
Your favours, Lord, I want to sing always.
Or : Alleluia.
Your favours, Lord, I want to sing,
proclaiming Your faithfulness to every generation.
Thou hast said : My favour endures forever,
Heaven is the foundation of my faithfulness.
Heaven praises Your great deeds, Lord,
the supernatural powers thy faithfulness.
For who on high is equal to the Lord?
Who is like Him among the sons of the gods ?
Happy is the people who know what joy is,
because it lives, Lord, in the light of your countenance.
From day to day it trusts in your Name,
finds its strength in your righteousness.
ALLELUIA 1 Cor. 1, 23-24
Alleluia.
We proclaim a crucified Christ,
God’s power and God’s wisdom.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL Mk. 16, 15-20
Proclaim the gospel to all creation.
From the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Mark
At that time Jesus appeared to the eleven and said :
“Go forth into all the world
and proclaim the gospel to all creation.
“Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
“And these signs will accompany believers :
In my Name they will cast out devils,
speak new languages,
take up serpents ;
even if they drink deadly poison it will not harm them ;
and if they lay hands on the sick
the sick shall be healed.”
After the Lord Jesus had thus spoken to them,
He was taken up into heaven
and He is seated at the right hand of God.
But they went out to preach everywhere ,
and the Lord worked with them
and gave strength to their word
by the signs that accompanied it.
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APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION LAUDATE DEUM
OF THE HOLY FATHER
POPE FRANCISCUS
TO ALL PEOPLE
OF GOOD WILL
19. Finally, we can add that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the close relationship of
human life with that of other living beings and with the natural environment has been brought to
brought to light. Thus, it confirmed in a special way that what happens in one part
of the world affects the whole planet. This enabled me to repeat two
beliefs that I repeat again and again: “Everything is connected” and
“No one is saved alone”.
To be continued
The Bible text in this issue is taken from The New Bible Translation,
©Dutch Bible Society 2004/2007.
Considerations from Liturgical suggestions for weekdays and Sundays
Laudato Deum Official English translation
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