Miyazya 30 — May 08

Saint Mark, the Friend Who Wrote a Gospel

Today we remember Saint Mark. He was an apostle, one of Jesus' close helpers, and an evangelist, someone who shares the good news about Jesus. Mark also became the very first archbishop of a great city called Alexandria. An archbishop is a leader who takes care of many churches.

When Mark was little, his name was John. His mother, Mary, loved God, and her house was a special place where the apostles came to pray together. Mary taught Mark to read and speak more than one language, so he could share God's love with all kinds of people.

When he grew up, Mark traveled far away to teach about Jesus. One day he wrote down the story of Jesus in a book. We still read his book today, and it is called the Gospel of Mark! It helps everyone learn how much God loves us.

Mark went to teach in Alexandria, Africa, and other places. As he walked into the city, the strap on his sandal broke. He gave it to a shoemaker named Anianus to fix. While Anianus was working, he poked his hand and said, 'One God!' Mark asked him, 'Do you know God?' Anianus said he did not. So Mark gently told him the wonderful story of God making the world, and of Jesus coming to save us. Then Mark prayed, and God healed Anianus's sore hand right away! Anianus was so happy that he and his whole family came to believe in Jesus and were baptized.

More and more people in Alexandria came to love Jesus because of Mark. He chose good leaders to care for the new churches, and he built a church by the sea. Some people did not like that Mark taught about Jesus, and they hurt him, and he died as a martyr, staying faithful to God even though it cost him his life. But Mark was not afraid, because Jesus had come to him and promised him peace. Jesus told him he would be with the other apostles forever.

God showed everyone how special Mark was. Kind friends carefully and lovingly took care of his body and laid it in a safe place. Even today, all around the world, people read Mark's Gospel and thank God for him.

Behold, thou art the equal of thy brethren the Apostles.— Jesus, to Saint Mark

Mark gave away his comfort and even his life because he loved Jesus and wanted everyone to know about Him.