Even though Mark's Gospel is second in Scripture, it was actually the first one written. It is also the shortest Gospel and the one that is jam-packed with excitement and miracles. Mark wrote for the Christians in Rome who were being persecuted about the time of Peter and Paul's martyrdom, so the emphasis in Mark's Gospel is one of Jesus suffering.
What we know about Mark comes to us mainly from Scripture. He went on the first missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas, but had a falling out with Paul because Paul did not accept him on the second journey. However, they did reconcile. We also know that Mark's family was important in the early Church. When Peter miraculously escaped from prison he went to the home of Mark's mother. Some speculate that he was the young boy who escaped when Jesus was arrested. According to legend he became the companion of Peter, from whom he received the Gospel. He also became the bishop of Alexandria. His relics were eventually taken to Venice and interred within the Basilica of St. Mark.
St. Mark shares with us the message of Jesus: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk. 1:15). We are called to constant repentance, to turn our lives over every day to God and believe in the message of God's love for us. Every day is a new opportunity to bring about the kingdom of God by being a true disciple of Jesus: We hear the Word of God; we accept the Word of God; we spread the Word of God. Go forth and share God's love with all you meet. Mark did through his Gospel.
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