So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16, the final verses of what is known as the Longer Ending)

So concludes the gospel according to Mark, our earliest narrative of the ministry of Jesus. This study began on September 15 and was completed on Palm Sunday.

Loving God, thank you for the example of your son and our brother Jesus. Bless our effort to perceive your intent in the words of the evangelist. Empower us with humility, patience, discernment, courage, and openness to approach your infinite nature.

Help us to proceed from you, cling to you, accept your loving nourishment, and bring forth a harvest of joy and thanksgiving. May we in this way serve as ambassadors of your realm to this time and place.

Above is a representation of Saint Mark from the Codex of the Evangelists, Iviron Monastery, Mt. Athos.

A new study of Paul's Letter to the Church in Galatia will begin tomorrow at http://paultogalatians.blogspot.com/