(d.68) “John, who is called Mark” was the cousin of Saint Barnabas, companion of Saint Paul on a missionary journey, and disciple of Saint Peter (Acts 12:25). The Gospel bearing his name, the shortest of the Gospels, is understood by most scholars to be based on Mark’s recording of the teachings of Saint Peter. He may have also been the young man that fled naked at the arrest of Jesus (cf. Mark 14:51). Tradition places him as the founding bishop in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was eventually martyred. When the Gospel writers are represented as the four living creatures surrounding God’s throne (cf. Ezekiel 1:10, Revelation 4:7), Mark is portrayed as the lion.
Mark’s Gospel is filled with immediacy. One event quickly follows on the heels of the next, and he uses the word “immediately” over 40 times. This stresses urgency and action. In recovery, many experience urgency in what is called “the gift of desperation.” Something has to change, and change now! Have you experienced this urgency, or learned from another addict’s experience of it?
“The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables” (Mark 4:11).
Reflection by Brad Farmer