Proclaim The Gospel
Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 16:9-15- When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
St. Mark gives a brief and straightforward overview of the major events that happened after the Resurrection. And this account is very useful. He sums up many events which took place over an extended period of forty days. His account here ends with Jesus instructing the apostles to go “proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
Are we following this instruction of Christ? Are we sharing the Good News of the Faith with others, many others? Do we share the Gospel with all whom we can—with those whom we know well, and with strangers? People are empty, lost, dissatisfied, and deeply lonely. We cannot keep this Good News to ourselves because we fear embarrassment or awkwardness in sharing it. The Lord thirsts for souls. Souls, though many don’t know it, thirst for the Lord. The Lord has asked us to play some part in this mission. One very helpful way to share the faith is to learn (and even practice!) a concise explanation of the Faith (or of our own faith story) to share with others. St. Mark and St. Peter did this in their Gospel. In prayer, consider what things we might say to share our Faith, and make a list of those with whom we might share it. Consider practicing this explanation with our family.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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