The seed of the Word is everywhere.  At a recent conference, this phrase was used by a speaker during a presentation on intercultural living to remind us that the seed of the Word is planted in all of creation, in all cultures, whether or not the people present have ever heard of Jesus the Christ.  As we approach people, other creatures, and all creation, we are called to recognize the presence of this seed.  To listen first and only then to proclaim what we have seen and what we have heard.  Only then do we proclaim the Gospel, as Mark invites us today.

What is the gospel we proclaim?

Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God of Love dwelt among us; walked, healed and preached among us; suffered died and rose among us; and lives with us forever.  Everywhere we look, everyone we meet is imbued with this presence. 

What is the gospel we proclaim?  Love is the greatest of all virtues: Cor 13:1-13.

What is the gospel we proclaim?  The Holy Spirit lives among us, calling us to love, and grow, and share the gifts and seeds we have received.

What is the gospel we proclaim?  Suffering and death have been overcome.  We still experience pain and sorrow in our lives and in our world, but Love accompanies us at all times, through all trials and difficulties.  We have only to trust in the One Love who comes to us through our own experiences of God’s love and through the love and care of others.

What is the gospel we proclaim?  All creation sings of the glory and presence of the God of Love, Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and Life.
May we take only what we need to go out, to learn from, to listen to, and to share our experience of the One who loves us unconditionally and abundantly.

Beloved:  Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another (1Pt 5:5).  Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. (Mk 16:15)  Listen and look for the seeds first.