Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20

Daily Lectionary: Exodus 22:20-23:13; Luke 4:16-30 

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Mark was one of the evangelists whom Jesus would use to proclaim the Gospel into all the world. Mark would go out after Jesus' ascension to tell that the kingdom of God was at hand and that all should repent and be baptized. Mark was never alone; Jesus was always with Him, just as He is with His Church today. But what was Mark to proclaim? This is more than just the facts about Jesus, as if He were just an important figure from the past, but is the living presence of Jesus with all His power to save. This is more than just "good news." It is news that brings about the new creation through the death and resurrection of Christ.

Today as we remember the Feast of St. Mark, we ponder that he (with Matthew and Luke) recorded for us the account of the Lord's Supper. This meal is the greatest of signs and wonders that accompany the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus continues to pour His blessings through Word and Sacrament, which are His continued accompanying presence. 

As we approach to receive that same Jesus whom Mark received, we pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed further and further throughout the world. Give thanks to God for the work He did through Mark and pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would continue to send out this proclamation to all the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Almighty God, You have enriched Your Church with the proclamation of the Gospel through the evangelist Mark. Grant that we may firmly believe these glad tidings and daily walk according to Your Word; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for St. Mark the Evangelist)

-Rev. Kent Schaaf is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock, AR.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Duane Bamsch

Over eight sessions, The Messiah: Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament will lead you through the entirety of the Old Testament with daily readings, questions, and discussion prompts. After a brief introduction that reviews Christ's earthly ministry, you will dive into the heart of the Holy Books that have spiritually nourished God's people from creation to today! Now available from Concordia Publishing House.