We're not just individuals

When we see “Saint” in front of someone’s name, we may think they got that way by themselves.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The story of St. Mark, whose feast day we celebrate today, is a shining example.  He might have been completely forgotten if someone else hadn’t believed in him.

Mark was the son of Mary, a widow in whose house the early Christians often gathered (Acts 12:12).  Although not one of the twelve apostles, it’s 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 (Acts 13:13).  When it was time for Paul’s next trip, he didn’t want to take Mark along.  In his eyes, Mark had deserted the cause of the gospel (Acts 15:38).

Fortunately, Barnabas didn’t give up on him.  While Paul went on to Syria with Silas, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39-41).  A second chance was all Mark needed.  Tradition tells us that Mark went on to Rome, became Peter’s interpreter, and later wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s preaching.  Paul eventually forgave Mark, commending him for his service and calling his companionship a “comfort” (2 Timothy 4:11).  Tradition also holds that Mark founded the church in Alexandria and was martyred there.

What if Barnabas, like Paul, had rejected Mark because of his early failure?  He might never have become Peter’s “son” in the faith (1 Peter 5:13).  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 lesson here is that we should never give up on anyone.  We’re not just individuals.  We are family, and we need each other.  God’s grace and love can cover “a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8)—and not only sins but desertions, weaknesses, failures, and individual quirks as well.  Our willingness to mend relationships can make a difference not only in our lives but in eternity.  We never know who the next Mark might be, so let’s keep encouraging and building up our brothers and sisters!