Thursday, April 25, 2024

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

(I Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20)

Today’s first reading was probably chosen because the passage cites a certain “Mark.” It was presumed for centuries that this Mark is the author of the third gospel.  But it could have been chosen because of its first line: “clothe yourselves with humility.”  After all, Mark’s is seen as the humblest of the four canonical gospels.

The gospel’s size is only about two-thirds that of Luke’s, the longest gospel.  It was also the first written and contains some inaccuracies and crudeness of composition.  Nevertheless, it more than adequately conveys the good news of Jesus’ ministry, passion, and resurrection from the dead.

Many of us can identify with the humility of Mark’s gospel.  We may often become tongue-tied or confused in thought.  These impediments will make proclaiming Jesus’ lordship difficult.  Nevertheless, God often uses people like us to preach the gospel by loving actions. 

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