Saint Mark, Evangelist - Feast
Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II).
Readings at Mass
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First reading
1 Peter 5:5-14 ·
My son, Mark, sends you greetings
All wrap yourselves in humility to be servants of each other, because God refuses the proud and will always favour the humble. Bow down, then, before the power of God now, and he will raise you up on the appointed day; unload all your worries onto him since he is looking after you. Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him, strong in faith and in the knowledge that your brothers all over the world are suffering the same things. You will have to suffer only for a little while: the God of all grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ will see that all is well again: he will confirm, strengthen, and support you. His power lasts forever and ever. Amen.
I write these few words to you through Silvanus, who is a brother I know I can trust, to encourage you never to let go of this true grace of God to which I bear witness.
Your sister in Babylon, who is with you among the chosen, sends you greetings; so does my son, Mark.
Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Commentary
The First Letter of Peter may have undergone some editing by Peter's followers, but it still maintains its distinct Petrine character. Peter, unlike Paul, is not a theologian; he offers practical advice that is easy for anyone to grasp. The passage at the end of the epistle, which describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking to devour someone, is well-known and often recited during Evensong and Compline on Tuesday nights.
This passage is linked to the feast of St. Mark because it mentions Mark by name, who was closely associated with Peter in his apostolic endeavours. Peter even refers to Mark as his 'son.'
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 88(89):2-3,6-7,16-17
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord;
through all ages, my mouth will proclaim your truth.
Of this, I am sure, that your love lasts forever,
that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord;
the assembly of your holy ones proclaims your truth.
For who in the skies can compare with the Lord
or who is like the Lord among the sons of God?
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
Happy the people who acclaim such a king,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who find their joy every day in your name,
who make your justice the source of their bliss.
I will sing forever of your love, O Lord.
or
Alleluia!
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Gospel Acclamation
1Co1:23-24
Alleluia, alleluia!
We are preaching a crucified Christ,
who is the power and the wisdom of God.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
Mark 16:15-20
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News
Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:
‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.
Commentary
The final blessing on the disciples' mission in Acts of the Apostles highlights the Spirit's power at work. The account of the Ascension mirrors this power, emphasizing Christ's authority behind the works of believers. While some activities may not be common in today's Church, the core tasks remain the same. Though we may not perform miracles like casting out evil spirits, we still have to bring goodness and healing. Every day presents opportunities to either escalate conflict or promote peace, worsen wounds, or offer comfort. These acts, guided by the Spirit of Christ, help us overcome our own weaknesses and resist evil tendencies.
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Life messages: 1) We need to be proclaimers and evangelizers: In today’s Gospel Jesus gives his mission to all believers: "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” This mission is not given to a select few but to all believers. To be a Christian is to be a proclaimer and an evangelizer. There is a difference between preaching and proclaiming. “We preach with words, but we proclaim with our lives.” No one is excluded, and all are welcome.
2) We are also reminded that while the Lord gives the mission to all, Jesus does not expect us to rely only on our own resources to fulfill that mission. The mission is accompanied by the Divine power that is given to all those called upon to fulfill that mission, whatever form it may take in our lives.
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