They went forth and preached everywhere.

When we see “Saint” in front of someone’s name, we may think they got that way all by themselves.  But Saint Mark tells a different story.  He might never have become the saint we revere today if someone else had not believed in him.

Mark was the son of Mary, a widow who hosted early Christian gathering in her home.  Although he was not one of the twelve apostles, it is likely that he was one of Jesus’ followers.  Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey, but for some reason, he left them prematurely.  When it came time for Paul’s next trip, he did not want to take Mark along.  In Paul’s eyes, Mark had deserted the cause of the gospel.

Fortunately, Barnabas did not give up on him.  While Paul went on to Syria with Silas, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus.  Tradition tells us that Mark went on to Rome, became Peter’s interpreter, and later wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s preaching. A second chance was all he needed.  Paul eventually forgave Mark, commending him for his service and calling his companionship “helpful”.  Tradition also holds that Mark founded the church in Alexandria and was martyred there.

What if Barnabas had rejected Mark because of his earlier failure?  Mark might never have become Peter’s “son” in the faith.  What is worse, he might never have written his Gospel – which means that Matthew and Luke might not have written theirs! If Barnabas had not shown Mark a little compassion, who knows what kind of Bible we would have?

Like Barnabas, we need to give people a second change.  No one is perfect.  Everyone needs the gift of a new beginning.  God’s grace and love can cover “a multitude of sins”.  And not only our sins, but also our desertions, weakness, failures, and quirks.  Our willingness to mend relationships can make a difference not only in our lives, but even in eternity!

-word among us