Saint Mark the Evangelist
Feast Day: April 25
Patronage: Venice, notaries, lawyers, prisoners
Key Symbol: winged lion, Gospel book, scroll
Time Period: 1st century AD
Location: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria (Egypt), Rome
Good for Lessons on: evangelization, courage, sharing the Gospel, perseverance, mission
Scripture: Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 5:13
Why This Saint Matters: This saint teaches us to share the Gospel with courage and stay faithful in our mission.
Saint Mark is one of the four writers of the Gospels. He is called an evangelist because he wrote the Gospel of Mark. His full name is John Mark. He was a follower of Jesus and a helper to the apostles. He is known for spreading the message of Jesus.
Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he knew many of them. He worked closely with Saint Peter. Many people believe that Peter told Mark what to write in his Gospel. This is why some call Mark’s Gospel “Peter’s Gospel.” Mark also traveled with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas.
Saint Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four. It is quick and simple. It tells the story of Jesus in a clear way. It focuses more on what Jesus did than on what He said. Many people think it was the first Gospel written.
Mark later went to Egypt. He started the Church in Alexandria. This was an important place for early Christians. He preached there and helped the faith grow. He is still honored as the first bishop of Alexandria.
Mark died as a martyr. People say he was killed because he believed in Jesus. His courage gave hope to other Christians. They looked to him as an example of faith and strength.
Today, Saint Mark is remembered all over the world. His symbol is a lion. His feast day is April 25. Many churches are named after him, especially in places where he preached.
From Jerusalem to the Mission Field
Saint Mark was born in Jerusalem. His full name was John Mark. His mother’s name was Mary. She was a follower of Jesus. Her house was a place where Christians came to pray. Some think the Last Supper may have taken place there. This means Mark grew up close to the early Church.
Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he knew them. He listened to their stories about Jesus. He helped them in their work. He became a helper to Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas. He went with them on a missionary trip.
At one point, Mark left Paul and Barnabas during their journey. Paul was upset and did not want to take him again. But later, Paul forgave Mark. In Paul’s letters, he calls Mark a useful helper. This shows that their friendship was healed.
Mark was also very close to Saint Peter. Peter called Mark “my son.” This shows how close they were. Many people believe that Mark learned about Jesus through Peter. Mark wrote down the stories that Peter told. This became the Gospel of Mark.
Fast-Paced and Full of Action
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels. It tells the story of Jesus in a simple and direct way. Mark does not include long speeches or many details. He focuses on what Jesus did. He uses words like “immediately” many times. This makes the story move quickly.
Mark begins his Gospel with the baptism of Jesus. He does not talk about Jesus’ birth. He goes straight into Jesus’ public life. The Gospel shows Jesus healing people, casting out demons, and teaching crowds. Mark wants us to see that Jesus came to serve and to save.
One main theme in Mark’s Gospel is that Jesus is the Son of God. But many people do not understand who Jesus is until the end. Even the disciples are confused at times. Only at the cross does someone say, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” Mark shows that Jesus is a servant who suffers.
Mark’s Gospel is different from the others in its style. It is short, quick, and full of action. It does not have as much teaching as Matthew. It does not tell as many stories as Luke. It is not as deep as John. But it gives a strong picture of Jesus as a man of action and mercy. Many think Mark wrote it first, and that the other Gospels used it as a guide.
Mark on the Move
After spending time with Peter and Paul, Mark went out to preach the Gospel. He wanted to share the message of Jesus with others. Many early writers say that Mark traveled to Egypt. He went to the city of Alexandria. It was a big city with many people and many different beliefs.
Mark began to preach about Jesus in Alexandria. Some people listened and believed. He baptized them and started a Christian community. This was the beginning of the Church in Egypt. Mark became the first bishop of Alexandria. He helped the Church grow there.
The Church in Alexandria became strong. It became one of the most important Christian centers in the world. Many leaders and teachers came from there. The people saw Mark as their father in the faith. They honored him as the one who brought them the Gospel.
Mark also faced danger. Not everyone liked his message. Some people were angry at him for preaching about Jesus. But Mark did not stop. He kept teaching and leading the Christians in Alexandria, even when it was hard. His mission there helped spread the faith across Africa and beyond.
Faithful to the End
Mark died in Alexandria. Many believe he was killed for his faith. He was attacked during a festival. People were angry that he preached about Jesus. They dragged him through the streets. He died from his wounds. This happened around the year 68.
Mark is called a martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for believing in Jesus. The early Church honored him for his courage. His body was buried in Alexandria. Later, his remains were moved to Venice, Italy. A great church was built there. It is called St. Mark’s Basilica.
The Church remembers Saint Mark every year on April 25. This is his feast day. He is the patron saint of many things. He is the patron of Venice, of lions, and of notaries, lawyers, and prisoners. His symbol is a winged lion. This comes from a vision in the book of Ezekiel and the way his Gospel begins—with the voice crying out in the wilderness.
Christians still learn from Mark’s life. He shows us how to serve and stay faithful. He reminds us that anyone can help spread the Gospel. Even someone who once gave up, like Mark did when he left Paul, can come back and do great things for the Church.
Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist
- First Reading – 1 Peter 5:5b-14: Be humble under God’s care, casting your worries on Him for He deeply cares for you. Resist the Devil’s temptations, standing firm in faith, knowing God will strengthen and settle you after trials.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: I will sing of the Lord’s eternal love and proclaim His faithfulness across all generations. His wonders and fidelity are praised in heaven, as His people rejoice in His presence.
- Gospel – Mark 16:15-20: Jesus instructs his disciples to spread the gospel to everyone and promises that believers will perform miraculous signs. He then ascends into heaven and his disciples go forth and preach while he confirms their message with accompanying signs.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Proclaim!
On the Feast of Saint Mark, Ruth Anne Henderson reflects on the call to proclaim the Gospel. She notes that this call is not only for priests or religious. Every follower of Jesus is asked to share the good news. It is not enough to simply believe quietly or practice faith in private. We are sent out to speak and live what we believe.
Ruth Anne Henderson also reflects on those who do not believe but still live with kindness and care. She points out that actions matter. People can show goodness through love, service, and compassion. This reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel is not only about words. It is also about how we live. We are called to share the message of Christ through both our words and our daily actions.
Worry Is Useless
On the Feast of Saint Mark, Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ reflects on the simple but strong message from 1 Peter 5:5b-14. He notes that the reading speaks clearly on its own. It calls us to be humble, stay alert, and trust God. One line stands out in a special way: to cast all our worries on God because He cares for us.
Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ reminds us that worry is common but not helpful. He shares the insight of Blessed Solanus Casey, who encourages trust and gratitude. Instead of holding onto fear, we are invited to give everything to God and thank Him in advance. This helps us face whatever comes with peace and confidence, knowing that God is with us.
The Cost of the Gospel
On the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, Matthew Kelly reflects on the courage of the first disciples who carried the Gospel to the world. They faced danger, hardship, and even death so that others could know Jesus. Their efforts made it possible for the faith to reach us. It is easy to forget this, but the Church exists because many people gave so much.
Matthew Kelly reminds us that this gift comes with responsibility. The faith is not only something we receive. It is also something we pass on. If we do not live it and share it, others may never encounter Jesus. Each person is called to take part in this mission in simple, real ways. It is an invitation to live the Gospel and help others know Christ.
Christ Our True King
On Saint Mark, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Ascension and what it means for our faith. He explains that when Jesus is taken up into heaven, it is not about a place far away. It means that Jesus now reigns as king. He is active and present, guiding the world in a way that is real but not always seen.
Bishop Robert Barron invites us to think about who we truly follow. Many voices compete for our attention and loyalty. We listen to leaders, culture, and opinions. But Jesus must be the one we follow above all. The reflection calls us to choose Him as the true king of our lives and to let His voice guide our decisions.
Living The Good News Every Day
On Saint Mark, Dcn. Arthur Miller reflects on the mission given to the apostles at the end of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus sends them out to share what they have seen and heard. This mission continues even after Jesus returns to the Father. He is still at work with them, guiding and supporting their efforts as they spread the good news.
Dcn. Arthur Miller reminds us that this call is not only for the apostles. It is for all who are baptized. Sharing the Gospel does not always mean big or dramatic actions. It often happens through simple acts of kindness, love, and presence. When we live our faith each day, we become a sign of God’s work in the world. In this way, Christ continues to work through us.
Learning from Saint Mark
Saint Mark’s life shows that God can work through anyone. He was not one of the twelve apostles, but he still played a big role in the Church. He listened, he learned, and he helped others. Sometimes we may feel small or unimportant. But like Mark, we can still do good things for God.
Mark also made mistakes. He left Paul during a journey. That caused a problem between them. But later, Paul called Mark a good helper. This reminds us that failure is not the end. We can always come back and do better. God gives second chances.
Mark did not just write a Gospel. He also went out to preach and start churches. He worked in hard places. He faced danger. But he stayed strong. He cared more about sharing Jesus than about his own safety. That kind of courage still speaks to us.
His Gospel is short and simple, but it tells the truth clearly. Jesus came to serve. Jesus suffered. Jesus rose again. Mark shared this story so that others could believe. We can do the same. We may not write a Gospel, but we can tell others what Jesus has done.
Reflection Questions:
- When have I made a mistake like Mark? Did I try again?
- Do I ever feel too small to help in the Church? What can I still offer?
- How can I share the story of Jesus in simple ways with others?
- What does Saint Mark teach me about being brave in faith?
Resources
Meeting St. Mark Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission, and His Message
Meeting St. Mark Today by Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, is a clear guide to the Gospel of Mark. It helps readers understand who Mark was, what he wrote, and what Jesus’ suffering means. The book explains the message of the Gospel in simple terms and connects it to real life. It also includes questions for reflection, group discussion, and five short meditations on suffering. This book is a good choice for anyone who wants to read and understand Mark’s Gospel better, especially during Year B of the Church’s Sunday readings.
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Questions and Answers about Saint Mark the Evangelist
Who was Saint Mark?
He was a follower of Jesus and the writer of the Gospel of Mark.
Was Saint Mark one of the twelve apostles?
No, he was not one of the twelve, but he worked with them.
What is Saint Mark known for?
He wrote the Gospel of Mark and helped spread the message of Jesus.
What was his full name?
His full name was John Mark.
Who did Saint Mark work with?
He worked with Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint Barnabas.
Where did Saint Mark preach?
He preached in many places, but he is best known for preaching in Egypt.
What city did he help start the Church in?
He helped start the Church in Alexandria.
How did Saint Mark die?
He was killed in Alexandria for preaching about Jesus.
What is Saint Mark’s symbol?
His symbol is a winged lion.
When is Saint Mark’s feast day?
His feast day is April 25.
Following the Footsteps of Saint Mark
Saint Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he still played a big part in the Church. He listened, followed, and helped others. He was close to Peter and Paul. He used what he learned to share the message of Jesus.
He wrote the Gospel of Mark to tell people about Jesus. He traveled far and helped start the Church in Egypt. He gave his life for his faith. His courage and faith helped many people come to know Jesus.
Saint Mark shows us that even people in the background can do great things. He reminds us that we can serve in quiet ways, write the truth, and share it with others. His life still speaks to us today. He gave his gifts to God, and God used them well.
We remember Saint Mark not just for his book, but for his faith, his work, and his example.
Your Turn
Want to learn more about Saint Mark? Take time to read his Gospel. It’s short and easy to follow. You can learn a lot from the way he tells the story of Jesus.
Have you ever felt like your work is small? Saint Mark shows that small things matter. Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear how Saint Mark’s life speaks to you.
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