Saint Mark, Evangelist (Feast)
They went forth and preached everywhere. (Mark 16:20)
When we see “Saint” in front of someone’s name, we may think they got that way all by themselves. But St. Mark, whose feast day we celebrate today, tells a different story. He might never have become the saint we revere today if someone else hadn’t believed in him.
Mark was the son of Mary, a widow who hosted early Christian gatherings in her home (Acts 12:12). Although he was not one of the twelve apostles, it’s likely that he was one of Jesus’ followers. Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but for some reason, he left them prematurely (13:13). When it came time for Paul’s next trip, he didn’t want to take Mark along. In Paul’s eyes, Mark had deserted the cause of the gospel (15:38).
Fortunately, Barnabas didn’t give up on him. While Paul went on to Syria with Silas, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39-41). Tradition tells us that Mark went on to Rome, became Peter’s interpreter, and later wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s preaching. A second chance was all he needed. Paul eventually forgave Mark, commending him for his service and calling his companionship “helpful” (2 Timothy 4:11). Tradition also holds that Mark founded the church in Alexandria and was martyred there.
What if Barnabas had rejected Mark because of his earlier failure? Mark might never have become Peter’s “son” in the faith (1 Peter 5:13). What’s worse, he might never have written his Gospel—which means that Matthew and Luke might not have written theirs! If Barnabas hadn’t shown Mark a little compassion, who knows what kind of Bible we would have?
Like Barnabas, we need to give people a second chance. No one is perfect. Everyone needs the gift of a new beginning. God’s grace and love can cover “a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). And not only our sins, but also our desertions, weaknesses, failures, and quirks. Our willingness to mend relationships can make a difference not only in our lives, but even in eternity!
“Father, help me to see the gifts in others, not their shortcomings. Show me how to love and encourage them.”
1 Peter 5:5-14
Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
Daily Marriage Tip for April 25, 2017:
Fighting Fair Tip: Use “I feel” statements. This is an old standby but it still works. Instead of saying, “You make me so angry when you…” say, “I feel upset when you… Would you be willing to …” It’s not a magic cure but it decreases defensiveness.