15 Then he said to them, “As you go throughout the world, proclaim the Good News to all creation. 16 Whoever trusts and is immersed will be saved; whoever does not trust will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues, 18 not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.”
19 So then, after he had spoken to them, the Lord Yeshua was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God.[a] 20 And they went out and proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the message by the accompanying signs.[Footnotes:
Mark 16:19 Psalm 110:1]
Saint Mark, EvangelistThese signs will accompany those who believe. (Mark 16:17)
The New Testament includes several references to the Mark whom Peter mentions in today’s first reading. Also known as John Mark, he was the cousin of Barnabas, whom he accompanied, along with Paul, on their first missionary journey. Later, he worked closely with Peter in Rome and became his trusted companion. Tradition tells us that Mark evangelized in Alexandria, and some believe he was the young man in Gethsemane who ran away naked from the soldiers (Mark 14:51-52). Finally, he is revered as the author of the Gospel that bears his name.
When we read the words of Jesus preserved in Mark’s Gospel, we get a sense that Mark saw some of the “signs” that accompany those who believe (Mark 16:17). After all, he helped spread Christianity both by his writing and by the missionary work he shared with some of the most renowned preachers of his day. Casting out demons, healing the sick, speaking in new tongues, being unharmed when picking up snakes or drinking poison—these spectacular feats seemed to have been common in the early Church.
Instead of focusing on Jesus’ lengthier sermons, which we find in the other Gospels, Mark pays more attention to Jesus’ power over sickness and evil. Then, as today’s reading shows, he makes it clear that the miracles are not supposed to stop with Jesus. Mark expected that Christians of all eras would work wonders in order to bring people to faith.
That includes you! The Holy Spirit is more than capable of working in your life and making you into a living testimony to the kingdom of God. Remember: miracles are not relics of the past; they are meant for every age and every situation. It may be hard to expect healings or spectacular signs when we pray or share the gospel, but that’s what faith is all about. Keep on believing that God wants to manifest his kingdom through you. Ask the Spirit to deepen your confidence. Ask him for the assurance that he really can make you an instrument of his grace.
“Holy Spirit, use me to bring God’s kingdom into the world. Help me to expect great things from you. Lord, I want to proclaim your good news!” Amen!1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because
God opposes the arrogant,
but to the humble he gives grace.[a]
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up. 7 Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.
8 Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering. 10 You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
12 Through Sila, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you briefly, encouraging you and giving my witness that this is God’s true grace. Stand firm in it!
13 Your sister congregation in Bavel, chosen along with you, sends greetings to you, as does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
“Shalom aleikhem!” to all who belong to the Messiah.[Footnotes:
1 Peter 5:5 Proverbs 3:34]
Psalm 89:2 (1) I will sing about Adonai’s acts of grace forever,
with my mouth proclaim your faithfulness to all generations;
3 (2) because I said, “Grace is built to last forever;
in the heavens themselves you established your faithfulness.”
6 (5) Let the heavens praise your wonders, Adonai,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the angels.
7 (6) For who in the skies can be compared with Adonai?
Which of these gods can rival Adonai,
16 (15) How happy are the people who know the joyful shout!
They walk in the light of your presence, Adonai.
17 (16) They rejoice in your name all day
and are lifted up by your righteousness,
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