Gospel MK 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:
“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.”
So 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.

Reflection:
Taken literally, this gospel message may in some ways seem strange. Common sense dictates that we should not pick up venomous snakes or drink poison believing that somehow we are immune from harm. The greater message is that our belief in Jesus Christ will do two things: enable us to contend with and even overcome many of life’s hardships, and that Jesus will always be with us in our efforts to spread the Good News.
“But they went forth and preached everywhere.”
Just as Christ died on a cross and rose from the dead, Christians today die to self and rise to new life. Infused with the Holy Spirit, they preach Christ’s gospel of love and service. Filled with a holy zeal, Christians continue to tell the story of Jesus, the man of peace, and of the miracles he performed.
….”while the Lord worked with them.”
Through the knowledge that Christ and the Holy Spirit are with them, Christians throughout the world live out their faith through word and deed. We witness the love and hope of Jesus Christ coming alive in today’s world through the work of Christians giving of themselves in homeless shelters, food pantries, Christian education, ministries, service trips to third world countries, and countless other good works.
“You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue              with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:20