MARK, Evangelist
Introduction
A disciple of Peter, Mark writes in simple words how with Jesus came the time of salvation and repentance. He shows Jesus both as the Son of God and the Son of Man, whose life led to his death, but who revealed himself fully in the resurrection. The disciple must follow his master.
Reading 1: 1 Pt 5:5b-14
4-5 When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
12 I’m sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.
I’ve written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God’s generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
13-14 The church in exile here with me—but not for a moment forgotten by God—wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. Give holy hugs all around! Peace to you—to all who walk in Christ’s ways.
Gospel: Mk 16:15-20
17-18 “These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”
19-20 Then the Master Jesus, after briefing them, was taken up to heaven, and he sat down beside God in the place of honor. And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.]
Prayer
Lord our God,
there is much in us that obscures your word
and keeps us from being truly your Church.
We pray you today:
Call us, as once you called Mark,
to speak and live your word.
Inspire us through your Spirit
and teach us to live in the hope
that your kingdom will come
and remain among us
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
now and for ever.
Reflection:
25 April 2023 St. Mark the Evangelist
Mark 16:15-20
Proclaiming the Gospel means living like Christ
According to Saint Jerome, the Gospel of Mark presented Jesus Christ as King, giving him the biblical image of a Lion. Today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Mark. He wrote the Gospel as a catechesis on Faith for the catechumens in Rome. It is also called Saint Peter’s Gospel because while writing the Gospel, he was with Peter in Rome, listening to his preaching.
Mark is the only evangelist who titles his work “The Gospel” or the Good News (Mark 1:1). When he narrates the scene of Jesus being captured on the night of the Passion, he talks about a youth who followed Jesus, and when the guards tried to arrest him, he fled naked. The Scripture scholars today suggest that it could be the personal experience of Mark – that he was that youth. That youth remained fascinated by Peter, the first Pope of the Church.
Acts of the Apostles presented Mark as a companion of Paul in his missionary journey, and later he comes to Rome as a companion of Peter.
And in today’s Gospel, Mark speaks of the sending forth by the Lord. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” This is the missionary nature of faith. Pope Francis says, Our faith in Jesus is to be proclaimed, and if I am not a missionary, there is no faith. And If anyone says my Faith is sufficient for me to be saved, this is a gnostic heresy. Faith always leads you to go out and transmit it through witnessing: “Go out to the people; let people see how you live.” Indeed, strong words from the Pope!
Explaining the mission command of Jesus to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” Pope Francis says that this verse is often mistaken for asking people to change their religion and get baptised, “as if I were recruiting for a football team or a charity. Preaching the Gospel does not mean proselytising. On the other hand, this is a challenge for me to live like Christ. If I say that I am a Christian but live like a pagan, that doesn’t convince anyone.
The Pope narrated the story of a university student in Poland, who asked him: “I have many fellow students who are atheists. What do I have to tell them to convince them?” The Pope replied, “Nothing! The last thing you have to do is say something. Start to live, and they will see your witness, and they will ask you, ‘But why do you live like this?’” Faith must be transmitted not by words but by our life example. May St. Mark intercede for us so that we live like Christ.