Commission of Humble Evangelization

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, the Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist, underline our commission to bring the Good News to our environment through our humble example of our connection to Christ.

Smell like the Sheep

The reading from the First Letter of Peter offers advice to the community on humility and suffering.

* [5:1–4] In imitation of Christ, the chief shepherd, those entrusted with a pastoral office are to tend the flock by their care and example.

* [5:1] Presbyters: the officially appointed leaders and teachers of the Christian community (cf. 1 Tm 5:17–18; Ti 1:5–8; Jas 5:14).

* [5:4] See note on 1 Pt 2:25.

* [5:5–11] The community is to be subject to the presbyters and to show humility toward one another and trust in God’s love and care (1 Pt 5:5–7). With sobriety, alertness, and steadfast faith they must resist the evil one; their sufferings are shared with Christians everywhere (1 Pt 5:8–9). They will be strengthened and called to eternal glory (1 Pt 5:10–11).

* [5:5] Younger members: this may be a designation for office-holders of lesser rank.

* [5:12] Silvanus: the companion of Paul (see 2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thes 1:1; 2 Thes 1:1). Jews and Jewish Christians, like Paul, often had a Hebrew name (Saoul, Silas) and a Greek or Latin name (Paul, Silvanus). On Silvanus’s possible role as amanuensis, see Introduction.

* [5:13] The chosen one: feminine, referring to the Christian community (ekklēsia) at Babylon, the code name for Rome in Rev 14:8; 17:5; 18:2. Mark, my son: traditionally a prominent disciple of Peter and co-worker at the church in Rome, perhaps the John Mark referred to in Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; and in Acts 15:37–39, a companion of Barnabas. Perhaps this is the same Mark mentioned as Barnabas’s cousin in Col 4:10, a co-worker with Paul in Phlm 24 (see also 2 Tm 4:11). (1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 89 praises God’s Covenant with David.

* [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38). Since the defeat of the king calls into question God’s promise, the community ardently prays God to be faithful to the original promise to David (Ps 89:39–52).

* [89:3–5] David’s dynasty is to be as long-lasting as the heavens, a statement reinforced by using the same verbs (establish, stand) both of the divine love and loyalty and of the Davidic dynasty and throne, cf. Ps 89:29–30.

* [89:7] The sons of the gods: “the holy ones” and “courtiers” of Ps 89:6, 8. These heavenly spirits are members of God’s court. (Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes Signs, the Ascension of Jesus and the Commissioning of the Eleven.

* [16:9–20] This passage, termed the Longer Ending to the Marcan gospel by comparison with a much briefer conclusion found in some less important manuscripts, has traditionally been accepted as a canonical part of the gospel and was defined as such by the Council of Trent. Early citations of it by the Fathers indicate that it was composed by the second century, although vocabulary and style indicate that it was written by someone other than Mark. It is a general resume of the material concerning the appearances of the risen Jesus, reflecting, in particular, traditions found in Lk 24 and Jn 20. (Mark, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

John Shea, S.J. comments that Mark’s Jesus is blue-collared, compassionate, earthy, and constantly on the move. He’s a carpenter who’s not afraid to get his hands dirty by touching bodily fluids and other people’s wounds. Jesus is always on a journey, a step ahead of his disciples so you feel an urgency in Mark’s gospel account (the word, “immediately” occurs 27 times in Mark’s gospel). His followers are often confused, afraid and, in some cases, run around naked!

As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mark, can we be inspired to act “immediately” and preach the Good News to those around us? Or are we too afraid to get our hands dirty by touching those most in need? Like Jesus’ disciples we may feel confused and lost, but can we feel the same compassion that Jesus had for his lost sheep? To paraphrase Pope Francis, can we be humble shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep’ on our hands? (Shea, 2017)

Don Schwager quotes “The Gospel proclaimed to all creation,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The command to the apostles to be witnesses to him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8) was not addressed exclusively to those to whom it was immediately spoken. They alone would not be the only ones who would carry such an enormous task to completion. Similarly he seems to be speaking to the apostles very personally when he says: 'Behold I am with you even to the end of the world' (Matthew 28:20), yet who does not know that he made this promise to the universal church which will last from now even to the consummation of the world by successive births and deaths?" (excerpt from LETTER 199,TO HESYCHIUS 49) (Schwager, 2017)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14 comments that God didn’t just “dictate” the Gospel to Mark. Nor did he drop down a book from the sky. Instead, he worked with him and through him. That’s how he works with us, too. He inspires us, guides us, and uses our gifts for his greater purpose: to build his kingdom. We might feel unworthy to partner with the Spirit of God, but our Lord doesn’t see it that way. How awesome that he puts such trust in us!

Did Mark know that his Gospel would be handed down over two millennia and read, studied, and treasured by countless people? Probably not. He simply cooperated with the Holy Spirit. In honor of this great saint, may we do the same today—and every day—in whatever way God wants to use us!

“St. Mark, thank you for writing your Gospel. Help me to trust in the Spirit as you did.” (Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the authorship of the letters of Peter and the thought that the Greek is too good for a Galilean fisherman. Peter and John Mark (Mark) were together in Rome (Babylon) where Peter’s eyewitness accounts supported the Gospel. Friar Jude reminds us that the longer ending of Mark is accepted as canonical as it is likely composed from the Gospels of John and Luke.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares the experience of Theologian Randy Woodley who tells of being invited by a friend to a contemplative prayer gathering. There are a lot of different contemplative traditions when it comes to silence. In our Native way, we are more or less listening, not just to ourselves or what we would say the Spirit puts in our hearts, but to what’s going on around us. We’re listening to the birds to see what kind of message they have. We’re listening to the wind to see if there’s a song in it for us. It might sound esoteric, but we’re listening to the way that we “spin in silence” by hearing what I believe is perhaps Creator’s most communicative means on earth—which is creation. 

 

I think of that when I read Luke chapter 4, the story where Jesus goes out into the wilderness for forty days. The idea we’ve been taught is that he is tempted for forty days, but everybody knows that you can’t be tempted for forty days. Let’s say the temptations took up ten days—well, what about the other thirty? What was he doing? Jesus was watching creation. He was observing what was going on around him. He was listening. The reason that we know that is because when he comes back, he talks about creation for the rest of his life. He talks about flowers and birds and trees and seeds and crops and the earth, and the soil. He could have talked about all kinds of things—Roman chariots and their power and aqueducts and the ingenuity involved—but that’s not what we have a record of. What we have a record of is someone who seemed to be at peace with the quietness of creation.… (Rohr, 2017)

We seek the disposition to be open to the nudges of the Spirit as we move through our day and allow ourselves to see and hear and like the Good Shepherd, smell like our sheep.

References

Mark, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/16?15 

Meditation on 1 Peter 5:5-14. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/25/942698/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/5?5 

Psalms, PSALM 89 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89?2 

Rohr, R. (2017, November 9). Where the Spirit Speaks. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/where-the-spirit-speaks/ 

Schwager, D. (2017, November 9). Go and Preach the Gospel to the Whole Creation. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr25a 

Shea, J. (2017, November 9). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/042524.html 

Light for the World

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the response of people in our salvation history to the prompting of the Spirit to proclaim the Good News through their actions and, if necessary, their words.

Life and Light

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas and Saul are commissioned and the apostles preach in Cyprus.

* [13:1–3] The impulse for the first missionary effort in Asia Minor is ascribed to the prophets of the Antiochene community, under the inspiration of the holy Spirit. Just as the Jerusalem community had earlier been the center of missionary activity, so too Antioch becomes the center from which the missionaries Barnabas and Saul are sent out. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB, n.d.)

In Psalm 67 the Nations are called to Praise God.

* [Psalm 67] A petition for a bountiful harvest (Ps 67:7), made in the awareness that Israel’s prosperity will persuade the nations to worship its God.

* [67:2] May God be gracious to us: the people’s petition echoes the blessing pronounced upon them by the priests, cf. Nm 6:22–27. (Psalms, PSALM 67 | USCCB, n.d.)

The passage from the Gospel of John provides a summary of Jesus’ Teaching.

* [12:37–50] These verses, on unbelief of the Jews, provide an epilogue to the Book of Signs. (John, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries was not available at publication time.

Don Schwager quotes “Whoever sees Jesus sees the Father,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"[Our Lord] gradually accustoms their minds to penetrate the depth of the mysteries concerning himself, [leading them] not to the human person but to that which was of the divine essence. He does this inasmuch as the Godhead is apprehended completely in the person of God the Father, for he has in himself the Son and the Spirit. With exceeding wisdom he carries them onward, ... for he does not exclude himself from being believed on by us because he is God by nature and has shone forth from God the Father. But skillfully (as has been said) he handles the mind of the weak to mold them to godliness in order that you might understand him to say something like this: 'When you believe on me - I who, for your sakes, am a man like yourselves, but who also am God by reason of my own nature and because of the Father from whom I exist - do not suppose that it is on a man you are setting your faith. For I am by nature God, notwithstanding that I appear like one of yourselves, and I have within myself him who begat me. Forasmuch therefore as I am consubstantial with him that has begotten me, your faith will assuredly pass on also to the Father himself.' As we said therefore, the Lord, gradually trains them to something better and profitably interweaves the human with what is God-befitting." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8.7) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 12:44-50 comments that when someone stayed with Jesus long enough, they saw beyond his unassuming appearance. They saw that he was more than a teacher or a healer or a prophet. His words of teaching, his look of love, his inner peace and joy all bore God’s own inspiration and went straight to their hearts. When they saw Jesus, they saw the Father!

Jesus is ready to surprise you today. He’s ready to reveal his Father to you. So as you read today’s Scripture passages, invite him to exceed your expectations. Ask him to show you something new. It doesn’t have to be momentous. Maybe it will be just a small insight or application you haven’t noticed before. Or maybe one verse will strike you in a new way. If you keep this up day after day, you’ll discover that God has revealed far more than you expected. And that revelation will fill you with joy!

“Lord, surprise me! Help me find your presence today.” (Meditation on John 12:44-50, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the continuance of the ministry related in Acts as John Mark, probably the author of the Gospel of Mark, is consecrated by laying on of hands to him and Barnabas and Saul for this mission work. The Holy Spirit guides the Church and at this time led preachers first to the Jews and then after rejection to the Gentiles. Friar Jude reminds us of the very dualistic theme in John’s Gospel that implores us to make a choice for Christ and live in that choice.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Barbara Mahany who writes of the converting experience the Book of Nature had on the Christian mystic Brother Lawrence.

Brother Lawrence [1611–1691], the seventeenth-century barefoot friar who found God in the pots and pans of his monastery kitchen in Paris, told one such story. In his one published work [1], a collection of fourteen letters, a wisp of an eighty-page volume I once unearthed from a library’s musky archives, he wrote how a tree in winter, stripped of its leaves, played the pivotal role in his uncanny conversion. It seems the good brother absorbed the tree’s stark emptiness, and, in that way that saints and wise souls do, he saw beyond it. He imagined the possible. As it’s recorded in his little book’s preface, the soon-to-be-friar stood before the naked tree picturing its branches soon filled with tiny leaves as if clasped in prayer. And thus he was hit, head-on. The surging sense of the immensity of the Holy One all but knocked him down, realizing the life force, the beautiful that would burst from the barren. In his little book’s preface, I was struck most of all by how strange it is that divine attributes can sometimes be seen in something so common. And how we’ll miss the whole of it if we refuse to be stopped in our tracks. (Rohr, n.d.)

We experience the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when events on our journey reveal truth, love and goodness that reflects Jesus' proclamation that He and God are One.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13 

John, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/12?44 

Meditation on John 12:44-50. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/24/942032/ 

Psalms, PSALM 67 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/67?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Preaching of the Trees. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-preaching-of-the-trees/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 24, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr24