Homily on Mark 16:9–15 – Go and Proclaim the Good News to the World, ( Friday the 2ht of April 2025)
Praise be to Jesus Christ
Once in a village, there lived two children, a brother and a sister, who were like friends. They had to walk a long distance to school every day. One day, the sister fell and broke her foot. For the next few weeks, the brother walked alone. But every evening, before even removing his slippers, he would sit beside her and describe everything, what the teacher taught, who fought with whom, what new poem was sung in class. She attentively listened to everything that he narrated, and felt that she; had been there.
One day, after listening to the narration of the day, she asked him, “Why do you tell me everything in so much detail and in an interesting way?” He looked at her with affection and said, “Since you ca not go to school, I thought I would bring the school to you.”
That is exactly what Jesus told His disciples before going to heaven. If people cannot come to Him/ us, go to them. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News.” Not just preach, not just shout, not just stand on a pulpit. Proclaim means to carry the message with your life, with your love, and with your presence. Just like the brother who brought the school to his sister, we are asked to carry Jesus to those who cannot come to Him.
There is one small word in this Gospel that we often skip. The word is Go. It is short, but it carries great weight. It is not a suggestion. It is not a gentle invitation. It is a command. Jesus is not saying, “Wait for people to ask.” He is saying, Go. Take the first step. break the silence, cross the border and open your door.
When Jesus rose from the dead, the first thing He did was not to sit on a throne to judge. No, but He went to the disciples who were in agony and distress. He went in search of those who were lost, sad, and afraid. He appeared to Mary Magdalene, then to the two disciples on the road, then to the eleven, locked in fear. He did not wait for them to come to Him but He went to them.
In the same way, He sends us out to proclaim and live His message. Not just priests and sisters, every baptized person. We are all messengers: the teacher in a small school, the mother in a kitchen, the farmer in a field, the bus conductor, the hospital nurse, the student. Everyone is given the invitation to go and share the love and message of Jesus , not only with words, but also with kindness, with patience, and with mercy.
One of the most striking sayings of Pope Francis should always echo in our hearts: “The shepherds need to have the smell of the sheep.” It means we, as Christians, especially priests and religious, should not stay far from people’s pain. We need to go close, to live among them, to be with them. We must make the effort to understand their struggles, their burdens, and their tears, just as a shepherd walks with his sheep.
Let us also remember the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” He meant that the best sermon is the life we live.
In this passage, there is also a hidden sorrow, Jesus appears and rebukes the disciples for not believing those who had seen Him. Sometimes we too hear the Good News but remain silent. We believe, but we do not share. Or we think, “What difference can my small faith make?” Today we may ask, whom can I go to? You don’t need a microphone. You need a heart. You do not need a pulpit. You need courage. The world is waiting, in hospitals, in homes, in lonely streets, and among people who have never heard that they are loved.
Jesus did not say, “Sit and wait.” He said, “Go.” Let that word ring in our hearts today. Do not wait for people to come and ask. Bring Jesus to them, in a kind visit, in a shared meal, in a silent prayer at someone’s bedside. When we carry Jesus, we carry light into dark places.
Even a tired heart can walk. Even a poor hand can give. Even a soft voice can proclaim. You are enough. Go.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, send me today to someone who needs You, and let me carry You with love.
