First Reading (1Peter 5,5b-14)
Reading of the First Letter of Saint Peter.
Dear friends, All of you clothe yourselves with humility in your mutual relationships, because God resists the proud, but gives his grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves, humbly, under the mighty hand of God, so that, at the appropriate time, he may exalt you. Cast all your worries on him, as he is the one who takes care of you. Be sober and vigilant. Your adversary, the devil, surrounds you like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, firm in faith, certain that similar suffering also affects your brothers throughout the world. After you have suffered a little, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will restore you and make you firm, strong and secure. Power belongs to him, forever and ever. Amen.
Through Silvano, who I consider a faithful brother to you, I send you this brief letter, to exhort you and to attest that this is the true grace of God, in which you are firm. The Church that is in Babylon, elected like you, greets you, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the embrace of brotherly love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Mark 16,15-20)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus manifested himself to the eleven disciples, 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. The signs that will accompany those who believe will be these: they will cast out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues; if they pick up serpents or drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; when they lay hands on the sick, they will be healed.” After speaking with the disciples, the Lord Jesus was taken to heaven, and sat at the right hand of God.
The disciples then went out and preached everywhere. The Lord helped them and confirmed his word through the signs that accompanied it.
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I would like to begin our reflection with a question: have you ever felt like a small candle in the midst of darkness? Sometimes life can seem like an endless succession of challenges and obstacles, and we can feel insignificant in the face of the adversities we face. However, it is exactly in these moments that God calls us to shine brightly, to be the light that dispels the darkness around us.
Our first reading today, from the First Letter of Peter (1 Peter 5,5b-14), invites us to humility, to wear the mantle of humility. Peter reminds us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. In a world that often values vanity and arrogance, we are called to clothe ourselves with humility of heart, recognizing that everything we have and are is a gift from God.
I remember a story that illustrates this message. Once upon a time there was a famous pianist who, after a concert, was approached by an admirer who said to him: “How can you play so wonderfully?” The pianist humbly replied, “I’m just an instrument. God is the real musician. He plays through me.” This story reminds us that when we humbly place ourselves in God’s hands, He can accomplish great things through us.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16,15-20), Jesus sends us on a mission, commissioning us to preach the Gospel to all creatures. He commands us to be witnesses of His love and His message of salvation. But how can we fulfill this mission amid the challenges and uncertainties of everyday life?
An image that comes to mind is that of Jesus’ disciples sailing through a rough sea at night. They struggled against the waves, tired and afraid. But then Jesus appears walking on the water and says to them: “Take courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, with his typical boldness, asks to go to meet Jesus. He gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water. However, when Peter looks away from Jesus and focuses on the waves around him, he begins to sink.
This story teaches us that, to fulfill our mission of being witnesses of Christ, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. When we focus on difficulties and challenges, we run the risk of losing confidence and sinking. But when we focus on Jesus, when we keep our heart and mind focused on Him, He sustains us and enables us to overcome any obstacle.
I want to share with you the story of a man named John who experienced this truth in his life. John faced many difficulties on his journey, but he always maintained his faith unshakable. When asked about his strength, he said, “I look to Jesus every day. He is my rock, my anchor in the midst of the storm. He gives me the strength to face anything.” John understood that by keeping his gaze fixed on Jesus, he found the courage and hope he needed to persevere.
Dear brothers and sisters, the central message of these biblical passages is clear: humility brings us closer to God and allows us to be instruments of His grace in the world, as we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find courage and strength to fulfill our mission as witnesses of the Gospel .
But how can we apply these principles to our everyday lives? Allow me to share some practical guidance:
First, cultivate humility of heart. Recognize that everything you have and are is a gift from God. Be grateful and use your talents and resources in service to others.
Second, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Seek a deep intimacy with Him through prayer, reading the Word and participating in the sacraments. Allow Him to be the center of your lives and trust Him in all circumstances.
Third, be witnesses to the love of Christ in your daily actions. Seek opportunities to share the Gospel with those around you, whether through words or acts of kindness and compassion. Remember that every encounter is a divine opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
And finally, don’t be afraid of the storms that come your way. Remember that Jesus is always there, even when circumstances seem bleak. Trust Him and know that He is able to guide and strengthen you in every situation.
Dear brothers and sisters, like a candle in the midst of darkness, you are called to shine and illuminate the world around you. May humility and a gaze fixed on Jesus be the flames that drive your life and testimony. May every step you take be guided by divine grace and love.
At this time, I invite you to pause in silence, allowing these words to sink into your hearts. Consider how you can apply these principles in your daily lives. Think of a specific action you can take to be a witness to the love of Christ this week.
When you leave this sacred place today, take with you the challenge of living as true disciples of Jesus. Allow His grace to transform your lives and His love to overflow to everyone around you.
May humility, courage, and hope be your constant companions as you follow God’s calling. And that, at the end of their journeys, they can hear the words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant!… Enter into the joy of your Lord!”.
So be it. May God bless you richly. Amen.
