Cast all your worries upon Him. (1Pet 5:7) Feast: St. Mark, Evangelist.

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Today's readings provide a set of instructions for a victorious people. The Risen Jesus sends out His disciples to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” The power of His Name “will drive out demons;” Believers “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.” (See Mk 16:15-20)

This is our heritage as followers of Jesus. His victory over sin and death is our victory – we who are members of His body. The first reading (1 Pt 5:5b-14) reminds us to “cast all our worries on [God], because He cares for [us].” God is our strength. It is He Who enables us to walk amid the storms of life without getting swept away by fear, hopelessness or despair. This message is imperative in every age, because while we are on this earth, evil will use whatever means it can to destroy our faith, hope and love for God and one another. Peter tells us:

“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.”

We belong to Jesus, “seated with Him in the heavenly places” (Eph 2:6) as beloved sons and daughters of the all-powerful Father. Suffering and pain are part of this life, but in the midst of these, we are being transformed by the Holy Spirit, moving “from glory to glory” in Christ. (2Cor 3:18)

“The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.” (1Pet 5:10-11)

We are precious in God's eyes. Let us lay all our worries before His tender heart as we walk by faith through these times of trouble and glory in the sure victory of Jesus.


Link to readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042522.cfm


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