Today in Acts 4, the Sanhedrin comes to the conclusion that something astonishing happened through Peter and John. But just to be safe, they tell them not to ever again speak of the name of Jesus. Uh…not so much. Peter responds with, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” Of course, we know that they kept right on speaking, as we will see as we continue our journey through Acts. Today’s Gospel reading is the end of the Gospel of Mark.
Jesus said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” The whole world, huh? Sometimes it is hard enough for me to proclaim the Gospel in my own house! And it seems like it is always difficult to LIVE OUT the Gospel. No need to get discouraged, my friend. You see, that’s what the Church is for.
We all have special gifts. And everyone has a unique gift, one that only they have. Oh, did I mention that this means YOU, too? So the question is – are we using those gifts to accomplish this mission that Jesus has given us? Are we proclaiming the Gospel? It doesn’t necessarily have to do with using your mouth. But whatever gift God has blessed you with, He wants you to use it to proclaim the Gospel.
Father, thank you for giving each of us a unique gift. Give us the grace to recognize that gift, and use it to proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Amen.
AMEN!! “Sometimes it is hard enough for me to proclaim the Gospel in my own house!”
As I prepare to get together with family to celebrate my birthday, maybe they will cut me some slack – maybe!