In today's gospel Jesus is not content to stay in his home area. He says: "Let us go to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do" (Mk 1: 38) There is an urgency to his ministry as he looks to communicate with as many in Israel as possible. Born before all time, as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, he is now restricted by his incarnated nature to personally preach the message to the towns of Israel. St Paul, too, feels the need to proclaim the gospel not just in Israel but to the ends of the earth. He sees it as an obligation imposed on him by the risen Lord whom he had previously been persecuting: "... woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!" (1 Cor 9: 17) In another letter he explains it this way: "For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them."(2 Cor 5: 14-15) Likewise, our call to missionary discipleship is impelled by the love of Christ and our encounter with him as the power and wisdom of God. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit asking for opportunities to share the joy of the gospel and reveal God's love for all people.
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