Good morning. Do we truly believe in the “Good News of Jesus Christ?” Do we share the joy of His life with others? Do our actions reflect the truth about Jesus? In today’s Gospel Jesus clearly instructs us to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” We have an opportunity each and every day to do so, in our word and in our actions, and in our service to others. Now, I personally don’t think our Lord is asking us to go live out in the wilderness wearing camel hair and eating grasshoppers. No, probably the best way we have of responding to Jesus’ instructions to us to evangelize is by way of our example, to live the faith. Quite simply to live a Christian life! Living it goes a lot farther than words. In fact, those who lie in wait to criticize or attack the Church frequently point to whether we are truly living out our faith. Saint Francis of Assisi, regarding the preaching of the Word, is reported to have said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” As married Christians the best litmus test of whether we are effectively living our faith is in how the light of our faith is reflected in the lives of our children. When people look at our children, do they see any difference between them and other children or the rest of the world? Actions speak louder than words, if our children see us truly living our faith, their lives will reflect it. If our faith is reflected in how we speak and act in our home and on the streets others will take notice, and most importantly our children will notice and choose to imitate us. A faith lived is the most powerful way we have of proclaiming the Gospel to others. Saint Mark, whose life we celebrate today truly lived the call from Jesus to go into the world and proclaim the gospel, in fact wrote one. Likewise we can all pray. Prayer is what fuels us in being able to live good Christian lives. It is something we can do at any time or place. Blessed Pope John Paul II reminds us that as laypeople we need to know how to overcome in ourselves “the separation of Gospel from life, to take up in their daily activities in family, work, and society, an integrated approach to life that is fully brought about by the inspiration and strength of the Gospel.” We must open our doors, our hearts, to Christ and “Put out into the deep for a catch!!!—duc in altum” They must encounter Christ and “put on Christ.” Let us live the joy of the Gospel in our lives today. Make a great day!
Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Saint Mark the Evangelist.
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