Apostle Mark

 

Apostle Mark

It is believed, according to best found secular records, Mark the Evangelist was the same man called John Mark; John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas. Also Hippolytus of Rome refers Mark as the Evangelist (2 Tim 4:11), John Mark (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37), and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10; Phlm 1:24). According to Hippolytus, whether one or many, they all belonged to the "Seventy Disciples" who were sent out by Jesus to disseminate the gospel (Luke 10:1ff.) in Judea.

Saint Mark was the author of the Second Gospel of Our Lord. It follows the writings of Saint Matthew in the New Testament. He is believed to be the same John Mark who carried water to the house where the Last Supper took place (Mark 14:13). The young John Mark may also have been the young man who ran away naked when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52).

The Cenacle was owned by the mother of Saint Mark. The Cenacle is the place of the Last Supper, the first resurrection appearance of Christ to the Apostles and the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.

According to tradition, Saint Mark was born in Cyrene in North Africa (modern day Libya). Saint Mark returned to Pentapolis later in life, after being sent by Saint Paul to Colossae (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24 refers to Mark the Cousin of Barnabas), and serving with him in Rome (2 Tim 4:11); from Pentapolis he made his way to Alexandria where he became the first bishop of Alexandria. When Mark returned to Alexandria, the idolaters of the city resented his efforts to turn the Alexandrians away from the worship of their traditional gods. In AD 68 they placed a rope around his neck and to the harness of a horse. They then dragged him through the streets until he was dead. A horrible, bloody public, very painful death. Be caused Mark taught of the new Christian belief, he reportedly died a horrendous martyr's death. His few possessions were kept in Egypt until they were transferred to Venice where they are protected till this day.

Does this cause you to wonder why the sniffles, stubbed toe or other worries are acceptable excuses to avoid letting your light shine. Certainly COVID-19 is cause for concern. Social distancing and often quarantine is required. Protective clothing, masks and virus inhibitors are necessary. But, even through the darkening smoke of the devil, which thinks he has, our light can shine. Know God, know peace. Amen 10-23-2020 BLL