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Gospel Reading for April 25, 2026 – Mark 16: 15-20
INCLUSIVE
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.” Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
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In Matthew 15: 21–28, Jesus is approached by a Canaanite woman—a Gentile—who pleads with him to heal her daughter, who is demon-possessed and suffering greatly. Jesus initially responds, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Yet the woman persists, kneeling before him and begging for help.
When Jesus says, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs,” the woman humbly replies, “Yes, Lord… even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Because of her great faith, Jesus grants her request, and her daughter is healed.
Later, before his Ascension, Jesus no longer limits the mission to Israel alone. Instead, he sends his disciples out to the whole world. Christianity is not exclusive—it is INCLUSIVE. Jesus, though born a Jew, came for ALL who desire salvation and eternal life with God.
Thank you, Father, for sending us your Son to save us. Thank you for your great love!
