Mark 9:23 "Everything is possible for him who believes"
The anticipation of Advent gave way to the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. We sang carols and read again the stories of Mary, Joseph and the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. The passages came from Luke and Matthew, not from the second gospel, Mark. Why? Double checking confirmed that indeed there is no account of the birth of the Lamb of God in the second gospel. . . John Mark, the winged lion, are you the "quiet gospel"? Why, St. Mark?
The story of John Mark, the human being, is one of failure in service to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary venture to Asia Minor. Later his success as a servant of God was commended even by Paul. The influence of Peter on Mark is obvious in his work and writings. Mark's audience c.65 A.D. was the Romans in a time of persecution. Mark writes of Jesus as a servant to his fellow men and who sought to bring comfort to sinners and save those who believe in and trusted in God. The words and miracles that he records create a gospel of action. This is the story of a man who in times of trial and tribulation served others and celebrated through his life the love and power of God, the Father. This is the Gospel that translates words into deeds. Lent is the season for reflecting again on the life of Christ, the Lamb of God, and our actions as we try to be servants of God in our world of trials and tribulations.
Why St. Mark! The story you wrote nearly 2000 years ago is the continuing story today! Love God. Love people. Reach out.
That's why St. Mark.
MBP, for St. Mark Presbyterian 2002 Lenten Devotional
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