Saint Mark, Pray for us!

Readings: 1st: 1 Pt 5: 5-14; Ps 89; Gos Mk 16: 15-20

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

Today, the church celebrates the feast of Mark, the Evangelist. Although, in the Bible, his gospel is positioned second after Matthew, it is largely believed that he wrote the first gospel.

Also, the Gospel of St. Mark is the shortest of the four gospels. It originated in Rome, and was addressed to the Romans. It enjoys the merit of the best chronological presentation of the life of Christ.

Today’s reading forms part of the appendix of the Gospel of Mark which presents a list of the apparitions of Christ (Mk 16:1-15), and also, the description of his Ascension into Heaven (Mk 16:19-20).

After reprimanding his disciple for lack of faith, Christ commissioned them for their mission: “Go out to the whole world, proclaim the Gospel to all creation.” He also filled them with gifts and powers to do carry out their mission.

These powers are still active in the church today. They were given in order to improve Christian communities. The life of many people improves because they entered into a good Christian community, and start to live a new life in Christ.

So, through the community, Christ continues his mission. Through us, He wants to continue His mission to reveal the good news of God’s love to the poor, and the to the entire world.

So, any person or Christian community that wants to be a witness of the Resurrection should be a sign of life. He must struggle against the forces of darkness in in order to make the world a favorable and better place for life.

This was what Saint Mark the evangelist did throughout his life time. He played the role of Peter’s companion, disciple, and interpreter. He gave everything for the sake of the good news, and even died a martyr as the bishop of Alexandria in Egypt.

Saint Mark, Pray for us! Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!