Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Gospel Word: Proclaim

I have so much hope for the world today. President Trump is in office. Our religious liberties are protected. We have a conservative Supreme Court Justice in place (with hopefully a few more spots opening up in the next 3 years!). The Lay Apostolate is in growth mode. My family is intact and healthy. Despite the negativity, so many proclaim the Word of God . . . on Twitter, Facebook and even from the mouth of our President! Love of God and faith is everywhere if we listen/look for it. But more voices are needed. Jesus wants us to be brave. What's the worst case scenario for proclaiming His Truth? Well, some would say death. With death comes our eternity with Jesus though, right? Best case scenario . . . Jesus is made evident and comes alive through our words and actions. Isn't that worth the risk?

Today's Gospel (Mark 16:15-20) is as clear as a sunny day . . . shout the name of Jesus from the rooftops! Let everyone in on the Good News:

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.


In Volume Five, Jesus emboldens us to bravely shine His Light:

"I will guide and direct you with great specificity when this occurs. You must be brave then and proclaim My Word with even greater zeal. You are My messengers. You carry the Light within and this Light will not be extinguished. Let your family be one who would choose to be hungry before relinquishing My Light to the enemy, for it is this that may be asked of you. You will be great saints and the great saints that have gone before you will hasten to assist you. Children of the Light, you have been marked by the very hand of the Savior."

Lay apostles, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos swirling in our world. Instead of tuning into the "Fake News" channels, pull out the Bible or a Volume. Do some spiritual reading. Strengthen your soul and mind in readiness for spiritual warfare. Be brave as Jesus requests above.

Thank you, Lord, for strengthening my stamina for the continual battle against spiritual warfare. Provide me with the right words to proclaim your Sacred Name!

God bless,
Bonnie


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