The First Proclamation Please read Acts 20/28-32, 36 prayerfully. Paul’s farewell address to the elders of the church at Epheseus. He exhorts them to keep watch over the flock which the Holy Spirit has given to them and shepherd the church of the Lord which he has won at the price of His own blood. He also warns them of the possible dangers that could come not only from outside, but also from within the Church itself. He commend them to God and to His grace-filled word which will enable them to grow in this new life in the Spirit.
The Gospel Proclamation Please read Mark 16/15-20 meditatively. Jesus spoke these words to the eleven disciples immediately before He ascended to heaven. They are to proclaim the Good News to all creation. Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish in proper time in every field of human activity. The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed by Baptism. They are to be the yeast that transforms human history. On the day of His resurrection Jesus’ human nature begins to participate fully in divine glory. Jesus also wants His disciples to believe in His Name i.e. in the divine power He has regained and which works through Him. For the Jews the term ‘Name’ meant the active presence of God. This term enables them to speak of God’s mysterious presence in the world in all power and greatness. The disciples are sent into the world to heal and sanctify it for which they are empowered.
Prayerful Awareness The words that Jesus spoke to His disciples just before His ascension were meant not only to them but to all who believe in Jesus Christ and who take up His call to discipleship. The Acts of the Apostles report these signs and miracles. Even today they can be seen wherever Christians fulfil their mission of evangelizing the world. To be a disciple in the real sense of the word is no easy role. It demands a tremendous amount of sacrifice and encountering the Cross at every moment. “If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” (Mark 8/34). The disciple has to die to self if he is to bear fruit. “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit.” (John 12/24). It is the Lord Himself who calls one for this great task. “You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit and fruit that will last.” (John 15/16). Discipleship is a commitment for life and there is no turning back. “No one who puts his hands to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom.” (Luke 9/620 St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians (vs. 4/9-13) gives his own astounding experience of discipleship.
Prayer Starter Abba Father, in Your mysterious plan, You have chosen us from all eternity for this unique experience of discipleship. We also believe that You have chosen us for a particular purpose and that purpose will not be fulfilled if we do not give our total commitment to this. May Your Holy Spirit lead us and guide us to do Your Will.
