First Reading: 1 Peter 5: 5b-14
Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

The evangelist Mark is presented in the Acts of the Apostles as John, called Mark. During Paul's first missionary journey, he faced hardships and harshness, he give up: he does not have the strength to continue the difficult journey towards Pisidian Antioch (see Acts 13:13). This weakness which - with the grace of the Lord begs to be overcome – belongs to the journey that each evangelizer is called to undertake. He measures the harshness and difficulties of the mission with his own fears and weaknesses. Mark lived in the Christian community, recovered courage and strength and, in the end, we find him alongside the apostle Peter (see Pt 5,13).

The passage of Mark contains the story of the apparitions and the command given to the Twelve and with them the whole Church. The first words are commandment and commission: "Go into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature" . The Church must preach, her evangelizing mission is a commandment of the risen Lord to announce to all people the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. We have the need and the task of listening to the Gospel of salvation. This is called preaching, the solemn, public proclamation, made with courage and trust, that Jesus is Lord.
 
The text continues insisting on the transcendence of the announcement and its acceptance: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mk 16:16). Thus, we are faced with the most important words in human life: salvation and condemnation. Faith and baptism are the words of life; unbelief is the door of condemnation (cf. Jn 3: 14-21).

Miraculous signs are enumerated which will give credit to the envoys: drive away the evil spirits, gift of tongues …, and finally the gift of healing. All these are charismatic phenomena that accompany the Church's journey through history.

The text ends with the proclamation of the Ascension and the establishment of Jesus at the right hand of God. Many signs accompany them. The missionary Church is on the way, the commandment is addressed to all.

During this pandemic, it is touching to see many people being bearers of Good News by helping their neighbors and giving others Good News.  Let us continue to rejoice in God’s continuing proclamation of Good News and realize our roles in being announcers of Good News. God bless all of us and have a great day!
Abba Meskel