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Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole
world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be
condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe…” Mark
16:15–17
Today we honor the Gospel writer, Saint Mark. Mark, also called
John Mark, was likely from modern-day Libya in North Africa but
grew up in Jerusalem with his mother, Mary. Her home was a
significant meeting place for early Christians, possibly hosting
the Last Supper and Peter’s visit after his release from prison
(Acts 12:12). Many scholars believe Mark was the young man who fled
naked during Jesus’ arrest (Mark 14:51–52).
Mark accompanied Barnabas (his cousin or uncle) and Paul on an
early missionary journey but left them before its completion, which
led to a sharp disagreement with Paul. Barnabas took Mark to
Cyprus, while Paul continued elsewhere. Despite this conflict, Mark
and Paul reconciled, and Paul later referred to Mark as a co-worker
and a helpful companion during his imprisonment (Colossians
4:10–11; 2 Timothy 4:11).
Mark also developed a close relationship with Peter, who
affectionately called him “Mark, my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Tradition
holds that Mark wrote his Gospel in Rome at Peter’s request,
preserving Peter’s preaching for the Church. Mark’s Gospel, likely
written for Gentile converts in Rome, became—and remains—a vital
record of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Later traditions hold that Mark became the first bishop of
Alexandria in Egypt, where he preached the Gospel. He is believed
to have suffered martyrdom there, dragged over stones and
imprisoned for his faith. Though Saint Mark is traditionally
honored as a martyr, today’s feast celebrates him above all as an
evangelist. In today’s Gospel, Saint Mark recounts Jesus’ final
words to His Apostles: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the
Gospel to every creature.”
Through his life and writings, Saint Mark faithfully fulfilled this
command, preserving the saving message of Christ for generations to
come.
Jesus’ commission was accompanied by promises of signs that would
follow those who believe: They would drive out demons, speak new
languages, handle serpents, and heal the sick. While these signs
were often manifested in miraculous ways in the early Church, they
carry a deeper spiritual significance for us today.
Like Saint Mark, each of us is called to be an evangelist, bringing
the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Though we might not be given
the grace to perform miracles, Jesus’ promises remain true when we
act in His name. Demons are cast out not only through exorcism, but
also when we bring the Light of Christ to the darkness of sin and
evil. We “speak new languages” when the Holy Spirit uses us to
communicate God’s Word in ways that touch hearts anew. The
“serpents” we handle and the “deadly drink” we overcome symbolize
the temptations and evils God’s grace protects us from when we
remain faithful to Him.
As we honor Saint Mark the Evangelist, reflect today on how his
Gospel calls you to heed Jesus’ commission. Symbolically speaking,
have you learned to speak the new language of the Holy Spirit,
combat the powers of evil, and radiate God’s love and mercy to
others? This mission takes firm resolve and courage. Do not fear
when “serpents” or “deadly drink” appear along the way. Trust that
God’s grace will protect and guide you. When you are fully united
to Christ, everything you do and say flows naturally in His name,
making the Gospel known to the ends of the earth.
Saint Mark the Evangelist, though you were young when you met
our Lord, you grew deeply in faith and faithfully heeded His
commission to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the
earth. Through your fidelity to Christ, countless souls
came to believe through your preaching and continue to encounter
Him through your inspired writing. Please pray for me, that I may
have the courage to speak and act in Jesus’ name, becoming an
instrument of His saving Word. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Ancient painting with St. Mark the Evangelist
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