St. Mark the Evangelist is one of the four evangelists who wrote a gospel account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He is also known as Mark the Evangelist or simply Saint Mark. He is widely believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.
According to tradition, St. Mark was born in Cyrene, in present-day Libya, and he was a follower of St. Peter, the first Pope. St. Mark traveled with St. Peter to Rome and helped him in his missionary work. It is believed that he wrote his Gospel account while he was in Rome, around 60-70 AD.
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and is known for its fast-paced narrative style. It focuses mainly on the actions and miracles of Jesus Christ, rather than his teachings, and emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God. St. Mark's Gospel is also known for its vivid descriptions of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
St. Mark is also associated with the founding of the church in Alexandria, Egypt, where he is believed to have preached and converted many people to Christianity. He is considered to be the founder of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, which is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world.
The Symbol of St. Mark
The lion is the symbol of St. Mark because of the biblical story of Ezekiel, in which the prophet has a vision of four creatures, one of which is a winged lion. This vision has been interpreted to represent the four evangelists, and the lion is the symbol for St. Mark.
In addition, there is a tradition that St. Mark was closely associated with lions. It is said that when he was preaching in Egypt, he was confronted by a fierce lion, but the animal became tame and docile in his presence. This event is often depicted in artwork, with St. Mark standing next to a lion.
Celebrating St. Mark
St. Mark's feast day is celebrated on April 25th in the Catholic Church. His legacy as a Gospel writer and missionary continues to inspire and guide Christians around the world today.
As we reflect on St. Mark's life and teachings, we are reminded of the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. St. Mark's commitment to spreading the Gospel to those around him, even in the face of adversity, serves as an inspiration for us to follow in his footsteps. May we all be inspired by his example to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us and to live our lives in service to God and our fellow human beings.
Patron Saint of....
He is revered as a patron saint of notaries, lawyers, and prisoners, among other things.
Daily Mass Readings
- First Reading – Ephesians 3:14-19: 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 and Reflections
Word on Fire: Jesus Reigns
Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus' Ascension as described by Saint Mark. He emphasizes not to think of Jesus' seating at God's right hand as a literal chair, but as a sign that Jesus reigns like a king. This image suggests that Jesus directs earthly matters from heaven. Bishop Barron explains that heaven is not far away but is a dimension that connects with earth. He challenges us to consider who we truly obey and serve in our lives, reminding us that Jesus should be our ultimate guide and king.
USCCB Reflection: Spread the Good News
This USCCB video reflection for the Feast of St. Mark discusses his gospel's account of Jesus' instructions to the apostles after His resurrection. It emphasizes the role of the apostles to baptize and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. The reflection highlights that believers today should continue to spread the gospel through their actions and presence in everyday life. It suggests that living a life aligned with Jesus' teachings can drive out negativity and bring about positive changes in language and behavior, reflecting the transformative power of living a faithful, baptized life.
Resources
The Gospel of Mark
St. Mark, also known as John Mark, is believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, which is one of the four accounts of the life of Jesus in the New Testament. This Gospel portrays Jesus as a powerful and dynamic figure, much like St. Mark himself who was a faithful disciple and companion of the apostle Peter in spreading the message of Christianity. Learn more about the Gospel of Mark.
Social Media Graphics
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saint Mark the Evangelist?
St. Mark the Evangelist, also known as Mark the Evangelist or Saint Mark, is believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. He was a follower of Saint Peter and is associated with the founding of the church in Alexandria, Egypt. His Gospel is known for its fast-paced narrative style and vivid descriptions of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. His legacy continues to inspire Christians around the world to share the message of Jesus Christ and live their lives in service to God and others.
What date is it?
It is observed annually on . The next date for the feast is Wednesday April 24, 2024.
What are the Mass readings for the Feast of St. Mark?
First Reading – Ephesians 3:14-19: Words of Encouragement
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: Praise for the Everlasting Kindness and Faithfulness of the Lord
Gospel – Mark 16:15-20: Jesus' Commission to Spread the Gospel and Perform Miracles
Who is St. Mark the Evangelist the patron saint of?
He is celebrated as a patron saint of notaries, lawyers, and prisoners.
Why is St. Mark often shown with a lion?
St. Mark is associated with the lion symbol due to the biblical story of Ezekiel and his vision of four creatures, one of which was a winged lion, representing the four evangelists. St. Mark was also said to have tamed a fierce lion when he was preaching in Egypt, and this event is often depicted in artwork alongside him.
Conclusion
Saint Mark's life shows us the importance of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was not just a follower but a messenger who wrote one of the four Gospels. His writings help us understand Jesus' life, teachings, and his sacrifice for us. Saint Mark teaches us that to spread the Gospel, we need both courage and faith.
Your Turn
Let us take inspiration from Saint Mark to share our faith with others. We can start in small ways, like talking about Jesus with our friends or family. We can also participate more in our church, maybe through reading at Mass or helping with church activities. Let's ask for Saint Mark's help to become better messengers of God's word.
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