The Feast of St Mark, the Evangelist

1 Pet. 5:5-14, Mk 16:15-20. Today we celebrate the Evangelist Mark who wrote the earliest of the four Gospels. Mark is identified with the “John Mark” mentioned in Acts 12-15, a Jew from Jerusalem, whose mother Mary allowed the little group of Christians to have their meeting in her house when Peter came on his release from prison (Acts 12:12). An early Church writer, Papias, describes Mark as assistant to Peter in Rome and help to translate Aramaic sermons of Peter about the memories of Jesus, so that the Roman Christians could understand him. This relationship can be seen in today's first reading as Peter refers to Mark as his ‘son’, alluding to the close Christian relationship and how Mark have been an important companion. The first reading also reminds us that we must be filled with virtues and humility, to serve God with all of our strength and to be vigilant against the temptations of evil.

Today's Gospel reminds us of the great commissioning of Jesus: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to every creature.” Through this mandate God expresses His desire for us: to listen to the Word of life and the message of hope. We are challenged to go where Jesus is not known, where Jesus is persecuted, or where Jesus is disfigured, to proclaim the true Gospel. This mission has its obstacles and risks. Yet, it is imperative to denounce sins, speak for the oppressed and defend human rights which are the Gospel value. "Go out and proclaim" is the call. Proclamation of the Gospel is a journey, a spiritual journey to the soul of others and a physical journey to the need of others. With the Holy Spirit in us, God will use us and do His work through us.

May the Lord comfort and strengthen us during this dark and challenging time of coronavirus pandemic and help us to be bearers of hope and beacons of God’s wonderful light in our world! Amen!! Be safe and stay at home!!!