The power of the disciples who believe in Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 7th Week - Sunday*

*The Ascension of the Lord*

*GOSPEL -  Mark 16:15-20*

*First Reading - Acts 1:1-11*

*Second Reading - Eph 4:1-7, 11-13*

*The power of the disciples who believe in Jesus*

*1) Jesus' Command to the Disciples*

As Jesus was about to ascend to heaven He gives a special command to His disciples. He says *Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature*

When He gave this command, he also have them special power to proclaim the Kingdom of God 

The special power which Jesus gave to His disciples include the following things 

*A) In my name they will drive out demons*

In the present day context the following demons have become powerful. We need to drive them out.

The demon of falsehood

The demon of arrogance

The demon of revenge 

The demon of selfishness 

The demons pride and greed 

The demon of anger and division

The demon of power and wealth 

All these demons we need to drive out in order to build the Kingdom of God

*B) They will speak new languages*

The language is a very essential and very powerful means of communication. Without language we can do nothing. 

So a person who believes in Jesus is able to speak the following languages 

The language of Love 

The Language of forgiveness

The language of humility

The language of sacrifice

The language of truth and justice 

The language of sharing 

The language of service 

The language of laying down ones life for another 

These are the powerful languages which are very much  necessary in today's world 

*C)  They will pick up serpents with their hands*

Serpent is very dangerous creature to hold. Since it is poisonous one can't play with it 

But one who believes in Jesus is able to pick up the serpents in their hands 

The serpent of Gossip

The serpent of persecution

The serpent of noncooperation 

The serpent of jealousy

The serpent of targeting someone for good things 

All these serpents will not be able to survive in the hands of those who believe in Jesus 

*D) If they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them*

Drinking of any deadly thing will harm ones life. But to those who believe in Jesus, it will not harm in any way 

The deadly thing of misunderstanding

The deadly thing of loneliness 

The deadly thing of taking risks for the sake of Jesus 

The deadly thing of suffering for truth and justice

The deadly thing of betrayal by those who are close to us 

The deadly thing of finding fault with everything

All these things have no power when we firmly believe in Jesus and work for His mission 

*2)  Am I ready to offer myself for the mission of the Lord*

The same Lord who commanded His disciples to the world to proclaim His mission, today with the same command sending me and you for the mission 

What is my response? 

Am I ready for this mission 

How can I prepare myself for the mission of the Lord? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*