Mark, my son

Mark, my son.

When we see “Saint” in front of someone’s name, we might think they got that way on their own.   But St. Mark tells a different story.   He might have faded into history if someone else hadn’t believed in him.

Mark was the son of Mary, a widow in whose house the early Christians gathered.   Although not one of the twelve apostles, Mark may well have been one of Jesus’ followers.   He also accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but for some reason, he left them prematurely.   When it was time for the next trip, Paul didn’t want to take Mark along.   In his eyes, Mark had deserted the cause and couldn’t be trusted.

Fortunately, Barnabas didn’t give up on him.   While Paul went on to Syria with Silas, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus.   And that second chance was all he needed.   Tradition tells us that Mark went on to Rome, became Peter’s interpreter, and later wrote the first Gospel.   Even Paul forgave Mark eventually.   Later in life he commended Mark for his service and called his companionship a “comfort”.

Now, what if Barnabas had rejected Mark as well?   The young man might never have become Peter’s “son” in the faith.   What’s worse, he might never have written his Gospel—which means that Matthew and Luke might not have written their Gospels either!   If Barnabas hadn’t shown Mark a little compassion, who knows what kind of Bible we would be reading today?

The story of Mark’s life urges us not to give up on each other.   God’s love can cover not only “a multitude of sins,” but desertions, weaknesses, failures, and individual quirks as well.   Barnabas saw something in Mark that Paul couldn’t see.   Looking with the eyes of mercy and patience, he saw Mark’s potential and stuck with him.

Everyone has the potential to become a saint.   All they need is someone to show them patience and encouragement.

Is there a “St. Mark” in your life?

word among us