Today we celebrate the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist. Mark was both a companion of St. Peter and St. Paul. It was from listening to and watching and taking in what St. Peter had to do and say, that Mark wrote down what was to become the First Gospel. It is the briefest of the four gospels – and is known for the "Markan Secret" – how after merely outlining a limited version of facts about Jesus he emphasizes how Jesus did not want his divinity known – until the time was right. In Mark's Gospel Jesus often tells the disciples "not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah" until a later time.
Mark accompanied Paul to Rome – later on – and comforted him when he was imprisoned.
In the first reading today we hear from Mark's mentor, St. Peter, that the Christian ought to clothe himself with humility in dealing with others – so that God may exalt him in due time. He urges the Christian to be sober and vigilant because the devil really and truly is roaming the world like a lion looking for his dinner. We must resist the devil steadfast in our faith - constantly calling upon that faith so that the grace and peace and protection of Christ might fill us at all times. He reminds them that they must suffer in this world for a little while so to attain joy and blessedness later on that will last forever!
In the gospel passage we see Jesus just before his ascension appearing to the Eleven and telling them to go into the whole world to proclaim the good news to every creature. Signs and wonders would accompany them, and everyone would be given the opportunity to make an act of faith in Jesus and to enter into his family, his Body, his Church – whose membership would last forever. Jesus ascended as he said he would, and they went out as they were told to do! And because they preached – we have the faith today!
Thank you God for favoring us and blessing us and filling us with the light of life: JESUS CHRIST WHO IS LORD FOREVER and EVER!
Forever we will sing the goodness of the Lord.
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