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Gospel Reading for January 25, 2025 – Mark 16: 15-18
RENEW THE WORLD
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
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Jesus spent 3 years in ministry. During these years, he “educated” the apostles, most of whom were not educated. One would say that 3 years was not enough and that they needed more than that. But look at what happened. Look at how Christianity has pervaded all over the world! Look at what it did to St. Paul who used to persecute Christians. As a matter of fact, today, the Church celebrates the feast of his conversion. Look at all those among us who allowed Jesus to change our crooked ways, a lot of us even a 360 degree turnaround.
This is because the power and inspiration comes from the Spirit of God! It is no ordinary spirit. It is the same Spirit that hovered over the waters during creation (Genesis 1: 2). At our Baptism, we received the same Spirit. At our confirmation, we receive the gifts we need to go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature, and the most effective proclamation is through WORD AND DEED.
Indeed, Christians are meant to RENEW THE WORLD not just once, but everyday, because everyday is a new day, and each day has new challenges.
Lord, let your Spirit shine on us, that in our own little corner of the world, we may contribute to the world’s renewal.
