The Face of Jesus in times of Persecution (HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MARK APRIL 2023

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST

1Peter 5:5b-14; Ps. 89; Mark 16:15-20

The Face of Jesus in times of Persecution

The gospel of Mark is generally considered to be the oldest of the four gospels. In fact, Scripture scholars hold that the other gospels relied on the gospel of Mark as source and that explains why all the other gospels are longer than that of Mark. If you are writing commentary on a work, it is most likely that your commentary will be more elaborate than the work itself.

In writing, Evangelist Mark was preoccupied with revealing the identity of Jesus. In the prologue (1:1-15), he introduces Jesus to the reader and also reveals his identity as Christ, the Son of God. The gospel is divided into two parts. In the first part (1:16-10:52), the fundamental question of who Jesus is, is answered. Amongst so many attempts, Peter eventually said: “You are the Messiah” (8:29). It is in the second part of the gospel (11:1-16:20) that the true identity of Jesus is finally and definitively revealed. This happened at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross when the centurion confessed: “Truly, this man was the Son of God” (15:39).

The direct audience of Mark were persecuted Christians, most of whom were gentile converts. He wrote to nourish and strengthen their faith at a time when they were in great danger of losing their lives on account of their commitment to Christ. Consequently, he largely dwelt on the passion of Christ so as to present Jesus as the supreme example of martyrdom. With this, he taught the people that the cross was and remains the authentic Christian way.

In the gospel reading of today, just before his ascension, Jesus charged his disciples to continue to proclaim the goodnews. He promised to remain with them. This means that they will become victorious in the same way he was victorious – the Cross.

As individuals and as a nation, we are plagued with different forms of suffering ranging from economic problems to family difficulties, insecurity, unrealized dreams and so on.  We are indeed persecuted!

But then, Mark (as a person and in his writing) reminds us that Jesus is very much with us. He suffered and so is able to understand our suffering. No loving father is unconcerned with the sufferings of the children. Beloved, God is already saving us. We may not know how, we may not know when but we know and trust the God we serve. The vicissitude of life should not scare us but increase our consciousness of the greatness of God. So, do not stop praying; we shall come out victorious. By the Word of God, our complaints shall be turned into testimonies. 

OR

Homily for the Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist

1 Peter 5:5b-14. Psalm 89:2-3,6-7,16-17. Mark 16:15-20.

We celebrate the feast of St. Mark the author of the second Gospel named after him. He was an Evangelist and co-missionary to St. Peter and St. Paul. He is the John Mark mentioned in Acts 12:12, known as John Mark, the son of Mary of Jerusalem. He was also the cousin of St. Barnabas (cf.Col.4:10).

St. Paul and St. Barnabas took Mark in 46 A.D. for their first missionary journey to Cyprus. But Mark left them. For the second missionary journey, St. Paul refused to take Mark with him. This resulted in separation between Paul and Barnabas. Paul went his way while Barnabas and Mark went to Cyprus. Paul reconciled with Mark before 60 A.D. In 61 A.D. Paul wrote Timothy at Ephesus and asked him to bring Mark with him to Rome. When Peter came to Rome, Mark became his secretary and interpreter for the Greeks (cf.1 Pet.5:13). It was as Peter secretary that Mark wrote the Gospel addressed to the Roman Christians to equip them to face persecution when the need arises.

In today's Gospel, Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles after his resurrection, saying, "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). Jesus promised signs that would accompany those who believed in the Gospel. They will cast out demons, speak in new tongues, survive the effects of deadly poison, and heal the sick.

St. Mark in writing the Gospel fulfilled the mandate of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all creation. He made himself available for Jesus to use him as his instrument in propagating the Gospel.

As baptised Christians, we, too, have been given the same mandate, and these signs and wonders will accompany us if we remain faithful to our baptismal commitments. Sometimes, we fail to tap into this resource as a result of a lack of faith and sinfulness. Jesus has given us a resource just like St. Mark. Believe it and it will be yours.

May God, through the intercession of St. Mark grant us the grace to proclaim the Gospel with good and holy deeds in witnessing to his resurrection through Christ our Lord. Amen.