MONDAY, April 26 Saint Mark (tr.)

Mark 16:15-20. Go into the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.

When Forward Movement began in 1935 it was not a publishing house but a renewal movement in the Episcopal Church, established by General Convention to counter the spiritual malaise of the Depression. Volunteers went from diocese to diocese, calling on people to commit themselves afresh to the basic principles of discipleship. They organized conferences and workshops on mission, on Bible study, and on the leadership of prayer groups. It was a great success. Enthusiasm developed rapidly, and the morale of the church was much improved. The publishing program grew from this, as a means to provide resources for evangelism, education, and spiritual growth.

When the gospel was first preached by the disciples it, too, was a movement of the spirit, depending on the testimony of eyewitnesses and people's memory of what Jesus taught, passed on by word of mouth. Mark was one of the first to see the need for writing things down in a permanent and organized form, so people everywhere might know the basic facts about Jesus and what he said and did. His brief account is still the best starting point for new Christians. Give thanks for Mark and Paul, the first Christian authors. (1991)

PRAY for the Diocese of Central Newfoundland (Canada, Canada)

Ps 2 or 2:7-10; Isaiah 52:7-10; Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-16; Mark 1:1-15 or Mark 16:15-20

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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