Happy Feast of Saint Mark! Today, April 25, 2026, the Church pauses to celebrate one of the most influential figures in the history of our faith. While he wasn’t one of the original twelve Apostles, Mark’s contribution to the Church is immeasurable. He was a missionary companion, a scribe, and the man who gave us the very first written account of the life of Jesus.
As we look at the daily readings for this feast, specifically 1 Peter 5:5b-14 and Mark 16:15-20, we find a roadmap for what it means to live a life on mission. Whether you are a missionary in a far-off land or a disciple in your own neighborhood, the message remains the same: the heart of the mission is proclaiming hope.
The Foundation of Humility
In the first reading, Saint Peter offers some of the most practical and profound advice found in the New Testament. He tells us, "Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another."
It is a beautiful image, isn’t it? To "clothe" oneself suggests an intentional act. Just as we choose what to wear each morning, we must choose to put on humility. In the context of mission work and Catholic spirituality, humility isn't about self-deprecation or thinking poorly of yourself. Rather, it is the honest recognition that everything we have and everything we are comes from God.
Peter reminds us that "God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble." When we approach our mission, whether that’s parenting, working, or serving in the parish, with a spirit of humility, we create space for God to work. If we are full of ourselves, there is no room for the Holy Spirit. But when we humble ourselves under "the mighty hand of God," He is the one who does the heavy lifting.
One of the hardest parts of humility is the phrase: "that he may exalt you in due time." We live in a world of instant gratification. We want results now. We want the mission to succeed today. We want our prayers answered by lunchtime. But Peter calls us to trust in God’s timing. Proclaiming hope means believing that even when we don’t see the fruit of our labors, God is at work. Our job is to be faithful; His job is to be successful.
Vigilance in a Prowling World
Peter doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the spiritual life. He warns us to "be sober and vigilant." He uses the vivid imagery of a roaring lion, the devil, prowling around looking for someone to devour.
This can sound intimidating, but notice the antidote Peter provides: "Resist him, steadfast in faith."
In the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, we see this struggle every day. In many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters face extreme poverty, persecution, and isolation. It would be easy for them to give up or feel abandoned. Yet, Peter reminds us of a vital truth: "your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings."
You are never alone in your struggle. When you feel overwhelmed by the "lions" in your own life, fear, anxiety, or doubt, remember that you are part of a global family of faith. This solidarity is a key component of our mission. By staying steadfast in faith, we don’t just save ourselves; we provide a beacon of hope for others who are struggling. Vigilance isn't just about watching out for the "bad stuff"; it’s about keeping our eyes fixed on the "good news" so we don't lose heart.
The Great Commission: A Call to Every Creature
Turning to the Gospel of Mark, we encounter the famous "Great Commission." Jesus is very clear: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."
It’s fitting that we read this on the Feast of Saint Mark. Mark was a man of action. His Gospel is fast-paced, frequently using the word "immediately." He understood that the message of Jesus was urgent. It wasn’t a secret to be kept in a small room in Jerusalem; it was a fire that needed to spread to the ends of the earth.
This command wasn't just for the eleven Apostles standing there on the mountain. It is the fundamental mission of the entire Church. To be a Christian is to be a missionary. As the Second Vatican Council taught, the Church is "missionary by her very nature." If we aren't sharing the faith, we aren't fully living it.
Proclaiming the Gospel to "every creature" sounds like a tall order. But look at how the Gospel concludes: "The Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs." You aren't sent out on your own. When you step out in faith to share a word of hope or perform an act of charity, the Lord is working alongside you. He provides the strength, the words, and the "signs" of His presence.
The Society of St. Peter the Apostle: Carrying the Torch
At the Society of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA), one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies, we take this Great Commission literally. Saint Mark was a "missionary companion." He didn’t do it all by himself; he worked with Peter, he worked with Paul, and he served the community.
Today, we continue that legacy of companionship by supporting the formation of local priests and religious sisters in mission territories. Why is this so important? Because the best people to proclaim the Gospel in a specific culture are the people who belong to that culture.
When you support SPA, you are directly funding the education of seminarians and novices in places like Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These young men and women are the "Marks" of our generation. They are preparing to go into their own villages and cities to tell the story of Jesus in a language and context their neighbors understand.
By providing for their tuition, their books, and their basic needs, you are "going into the whole world" without ever leaving your home. You are participating in the Great Commission by ensuring that the voice of the Church remains strong and vibrant in every corner of the globe. Like Saint Mark, these future priests and sisters are dedicating their lives to the Gospel. Your generosity ensures they have the tools to succeed.
Reflection: How Will You Proclaim?
The feast of an Evangelist is a perfect time for a little spiritual "check-up." We might not all be called to write a Gospel or move to a different continent, but we are all called to proclaim.
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- Where is God calling you to be humble? Is there a situation where you need to stop pushing for your own way and start trusting in "God’s timing"?
- How can you practice vigilance? Are you staying "sober" in your faith, or have you let the distractions of the world drown out the voice of the Spirit?
- Who in your "whole world" needs to hear the Gospel? Your "world" might be your office, your school, or your dinner table. Is there someone who needs a word of hope today?
Proclaiming the Gospel can be as simple as a kind word to a stranger, a humble act of service for a neighbor, or sharing a story of how God has worked in your life. It doesn't require a theology degree; it just requires a heart that has been touched by Christ.
Conclusion
The Gospel is meant to be shared, not hidden! Saint Mark’s life reminds us that the story of Jesus is the most important story ever told, and it is a story that continues today through us.
Thank you for being part of the mission of The Pontifical Mission Societies. Your prayers and your support for the Society of St. Peter the Apostle make it possible for the light of Christ to reach the ends of the earth. As we celebrate Saint Mark, let us ask for his intercession. May we be as bold, as urgent, and as faithful as he was in sharing the Good News.
Please keep our mission seminarians and religious sisters in your prayers today. They are the boots on the ground, following in the footsteps of the Evangelists to ensure that hope is proclaimed to every creature.
God bless you, and Happy Feast of Saint Mark!
To learn more about how you can support the formation of local priests and sisters in mission lands, visit our website at www.fraugustinedejidada.org.