SOCL, AscensionB
- Admin
- May 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 17, 2024
Sunday May 12, 2024
Proclaim the good news to the whole creation.
See
When is an ending not an ending? Mark takes the huge risk of an apparently negative ending to the story which began resoundingly in 1:1. The ending does not satisfy and never did…and that is Mark’s very point. To have a neat narrative ending would close the story in the past, whereas Mark forces us to realize that the story goes on the lives of all disciples, then and now. We are the bearers of the Good News, we are the continuation of the story, a story which in truth will never really end, thanks be to God.
Listen
Reflect
(Mark 16:15-20)
-In the preceding verse Jesus had rebuked the apostles for their lack of faith. Despite this he commissioned them to bring the Good News to the whole world. Witnesses to the Good News do not have to be perfect. There is encouragement for us in this. To whom have you brought good news? Who has been a messenger of good news to you?
-Jesus then tells them that their witness will have quite dramatic effects, helping people to overcome demons, bring them peace and healing. Things happen when we have belief in God and in ourselves. Strong faith can enable us to meet and overcome difficulties, in ways that waverers cannot do. Perhaps you have had experience of this?
-The ascension marked the end of the visible presence of Jesus with the disciples, but he was with them in other ways. ‘The Lord worked with them’. Sometimes we can experience that death is not the end of the presence of someone significant to us. We can experience the unseen presence and influence of a parent, a friend, or an inspiring leader, after they have died. Has this happened for you? Have you also experienced the hidden presence of the Lord working with you?
Pray
God of power and might, in the mystery of the ascension you have raised up and glorified your Son, and exalted our humanity at his right hand. Confirm the good news your Church proclaims, so that when Christ returns in glory all nations may be gathered into the kingdom where he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God for ever and ever. Amen.
Act
-Embrace Imperfect Endings: Understand that not all endings in life will be neat or satisfying. Sometimes, an apparent negative ending may be a stepping stone to something greater. Embrace these imperfect endings as part of a larger narrative that continues to unfold.
-See Yourself as a Storyteller: Recognize that you are a bearer of Good News in your own life story. Just as the disciples carried forward the message of Jesus, you too can contribute to the ongoing narrative of faith and purpose. Share your experiences, wisdom, and values with others as part of this continuous story.
-Live with Hope and Continuity: Maintain a perspective of hope and continuity in your journey. Understand that the story of faith and life is ongoing, spanning generations and impacting lives in meaningful ways. Approach each day with the awareness that your actions and choices contribute to this larger, never-ending narrative.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ap, May 12). Seventh Sunday of Easter - Ascension. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051224.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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