Daily Gospel Reflection for May 14, 2015

Today's Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Today’s Gospel is good news for anyone who has been baptized. It tells us that to be baptized is to be saved. The power of belief is expressed in Baptism. Jesus tells us this is necessary for salvation.

Jesus then charges those present to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. He promises them that he will give them power and will confirm their beliefs with visible signs. They will be able to heal the sick, speak new languages, and lay hands to demonstrate God’s power. The part that many of us miss is that He gave us the very same commission. If we are baptized and have been given salvation, it is our job to spread the Gospel. When we accept this mission, God gives us what we need to do the job. The very same powerful tools described above are available to us if we access them.

At the end of the Gospel, we see Jesus referred to as “the Lord Jesus.” This is to signify that He has assumed his heavenly role again. Even though Jesus is in heaven, He has promised to remain with His Church until the end of time. He is with us as we spread the Good News in our everyday lives, and He gives us what we need to be effective.

Ponder:

Have I been baptized? Do I understand how powerful Baptism is?

Do I believe Jesus will give me all I need to be an effective communicator of His message?

Do I accept the mission of spreading the Gospel?

Pray:

Jesus, thank You for giving me all I need to spread Your Word. Teach me to rely on You for confirmation of my faith. Please show others through me how mighty and powerful You are. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Ellen Toole