The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Carlos Lariosa SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist – April 25
Introduction
At the moment of the Lord’s Ascension, the disciples must have been a sight to behold — mouths open, heads lifted, eyes fixed on the heavens. Then came the words of Jesus, striking their ears and hearts like a thunderclap: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel!” (Mark 16:15).
The Church’s Mission
Despite difficulties across the centuries, the Church has never ceased to fulfill this mandate. “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Even today, in places where crucifixes are banned from classrooms and God’s name is silenced, the mission continues.
One graduation ceremony illustrates this. The program deliberately excluded any invocation of God. Parents and children were disturbed, but the event went on. At the end, one student asked all graduates to stand. At the count of three, they all sneezed. Instinctively, the entire assembly responded: “God bless you!” Where there is a will, there is a way.
Proclaiming in Season and Out of Season
The proclamation of the Good News must be done “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Today, we too must go out and proclaim the Gospel. The signs associated with believers — healing, courage, joy, and faith — remain operative and effective, just as in the time of Christ.
Our Call Today
We must strengthen our faith and make use of the power at our disposal. Otherwise, our faith will erode. The Ascension is not about Jesus leaving us; it is about Him sending us. The mission is clear: proclaim Christ with boldness, creativity, and perseverance, even in places where His name is unwelcome.
Conclusion
The disciples returned from the Ascension with renewed courage. So must we. Let us go out into the whole world, proclaiming the Gospel with our words and our lives, confident that Christ is with us always, until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).
“Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith and make me a fearless witness of Your Gospel today.”
