Work for God

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042517.cfm) reminds me that I should work for God, no matter how small I feel my contributions are. 

In the corporate world, those who make huge contributions are highlighted and praised. Top management honors those who contribute a lot to the organization. On the other hand, hardworking people who may not necessarily have huge contributions, but do their best to help and contribute, are not given much attention. This causes these people to lose morale. However, this is not the way with God's kingdom. 

God values everything we do for him - big or small. 

As we celebrate the feast of St Mark, we are reminded of this. In the gospel we see that Jesus told his disciples to go our into the world and proclaim the gospel. His disciples followed and preached about the gospel after Jesus was taken into heaven. They really did this as we see In the first reading that Peter and Mark are still doing God's work and proclaiming Jesus to others.

Mark was one of the twelve in the gospel, and he continued Christ's commandment to work for Him and preach about the gospel. In the first reading, Peter tells us that Mark still does this. Mark may not have written a lot, like Paul and Peter, but we see that he was still doing God's work. No matter how small your contribution may seem, God acknowledges it as we see in today's feast. What is important is if we follow his commandment. 

As we do God's work, we are not empty handed. Jesus spent years with his disciples, teaching and guiding them. He did not just choose twelve and sent them out. In the gospel he told them that he will always be with them, and there would be signs not for them to believe, but for others to be affirmed that God is indeed on their side. Jesus is with us as we do God's work. From then, until now. 

May we be inspired by Mark and all others who tirelessly work for God. May we do our part, no matter how small we feel our service may be.  And as we do so, as we work for God, let us not be surprised of God's signs and power manifesting in us for God's glory. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to live for you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for feeling small. Sorry for looking down on myself, on my talents, and on what I can do for you. I know you appreciate whatever I can offer, and you will magnify it. Lord give me the desire, the will, and the strength to always work for you in little and big ways. Use me to glorify yourself. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

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April 25, 2017
Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist
Lectionary: 555

Reading 11 PT 5:5B-14

Beloved:
Clothe yourselves with humility
in your dealings with one another, for:

God opposes the proud
but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.
Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant.
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.
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.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus,
whom I consider a faithful brother,
exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Remain firm in it.
The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Responsorial PsalmPS 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O LORD,
and your faithfulness, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies can rank with the LORD?
Who is like the LORD among the sons of God?
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia1 COR 1:23A-24B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We proclaim Christ crucified:
he is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelMK 16:15-20

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.