Feast of St. Mark

And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’ So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16:15-20

The gospel of Mark, the first to be written among the gospels, in both simple and profound, St. Mark, the evangelist, is depicted with a book, pen and a lion. The story telling in Mark is not poetic but direct, telling the story of Jesus so folks could understand. He presented Jesus' divinity and humanity in a way people could accept. May we today offer God's love, with simplicity, honesty and profoundly in the tradition of St. Mark.

Loving Creator, you Word is truth

you offer us new life and freedom 

you lift us from the messy confusion

and remind us we are beloved of God.

We complicate and control your Word

yet your love cannot be held or caged

it flourishes even in the darkest places

and renews the most broken heart.

Give us your words to speak today

let all our speech reveal your love

may we be strong enough to be simple

full of courage your love alone provides. Amen.