Saint of the Day
St. Mark the Evangelist
Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark, was a companion of both Peter and Paul. Tradition holds that he wrote the earliest of the four Gospels, drawing heavily on Peter's eyewitness testimony. He is venerated as the founder of the Church of Alexandria and is the patron saint of Egypt. His Gospel is marked by urgency and action, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus. He died as a martyr in Alexandria around 68 AD.
Scripture Reading
Mark 16:15
And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'
Reflection
Mark the Evangelist received this commission and carried it to Alexandria, planting a church that endured for centuries. His Gospel is the shortest but perhaps the most urgent — always pressing forward, always 'immediately.' The word he used his whole life to describe Jesus was not gentle but powerful: authority over demons, over sickness, over death itself. The good news Mark proclaimed is the same good news entrusted to us today: Jesus wins, and we are his messengers.
Prayer for Today
Here I am, Lord, send me; to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort in earth, or earthly comfort: send me to death itself, if it be but in Thy service and to promote Thy kingdom. Frances Xavier
Lord bend us. -Evan Roberts
Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous; Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest; To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to seek for rest, To labour and not to seek reward, Save that of knowing that I do thy will. Ignatius of Loyola
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon. And where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. Saint Francis
Lord bend us. -Evan Roberts
Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous; Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest; To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to seek for rest, To labour and not to seek reward, Save that of knowing that I do thy will. Ignatius of Loyola
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon. And where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. Saint Francis
Amen.