Word to the Wise
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - April 25 - St. Mark, evangelist
[1 Pet 5:5b-14 and Mark 16:15-20]So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. [1 Peter] "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." [Mark]
The gospel scripture for this feast day is appropriately taken from the Gospel According to Mark but it is also from a portion that, although considered inspired, was not part of the original composition. Some inspired writer thought the lack of accounts of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances in the original needed to be supplemented, so this author added traditions taken from the other gospels, especially Luke and John. The message is the same, however. The disciples (and we) are charged with preaching the gospel around the world.
The passage from the First Letter of Peter reflects the trials and challenges of a disciple, not only in the early Church, but now as well. I have had the experience of hearing many a student in my years of campus ministry say to me, "Does God really care about me? Why should I put my trust in God?" The many temptations of university life seem more trustworthy and immediate. This is not just a problem, however, for college students, as any newspaper will reveal every day. To preach and live the gospel requires steadfast intention and attention to the truth and love of God and not to just avoiding sin. God will help us with the latter if we focus on the former. AMEN