Revelation 4:7 describes four living creatures surrounding the throne of the Lamb, and these four creatures, from antiquity, have been used to depict the evangelists. Revelation says, “The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.”
The Lion is listed first, and Mark’s gospel, was likely the first of the Gospels to be written, before the year 60.
Sometimes it is claimed that the lion is fitting for Mark, as his Gospel begins with John the Baptist roaring in the wilderness, like a lion "...The voice of the one who cries in the wilderness: Prepare Ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths"
St. Mark was a Jew converted by the Apostles after the death and resurrection of Christ. He was a spiritual son of St. Peter, in fact. And many of the details Mark includes in his Gospel, likely derive from St. Peter. Mark originally wrote his Gospel for the Romans, to whom Peter ministered. Mark’s Gospel has characteristics attractive to Romans. It’s concise, to the point, and emphasizes Jesus, like a lion, filled with courage and strength—dominating the powers of evil with a word. While so many fail to grasp who Jesus is, it is the Roman centurion on Calvary who proclaims what even the apostles failed to acknowledge, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
Before his own martyrdom, St. Peter sent Mark to be the Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. Alexandria was known for its superstition, old Egyptian gods, sorcery and magic. So Mark goes to Egypt, and like the Apostles in the Gospel today, Mark preached and miracles and signs accompanied his preaching—signs which confirmed that his word was true and from God. He made many converts, but also many enemies from the old established religion. And he was martyred.
But no doubt due to Mark’s preaching, teaching, and the testimony of his martyrdom, Alexandria went on to become one of the great centers of early Christianity.
It is around Alexandria that Christian monasticism begins with Anthony of the Desert and Paul the Hermit. And some of the most important theologians of the early Church came out of Alexandria, including St. Cyril of Alexandria, and the great St. Athanasius, whose feast is a week from today.
St. Mark changed the world and changed history through his faithfulness to the preaching mission.
And, what a wonderful saint to celebrate during the Easter season, when we are being reminded of the importance of faithfully preaching the Gospel, giving witness to the truth that Jesus is risen, and by backing up our words with accompanying works.
May Saint Mark’s example and prayers help us to cry out the Gospel of Christ throughout the world, proclaiming it to all creation, for the Glory of God and Salvation of souls.
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Let us pray:
The Father raised Christ his Son, Our Good Shepherd from the dead, may we be his faithful witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Father sent his Son into the world to bring good news to the poor, may we have courage to bring that good news to all peoples.
The Father sent his Son to sow the word of life, may God help us to sow his word and to reap its harvest with joy.
The Father send his Son to make the world one through his blood, may we all work together for this unity.
The Father set his Son at his right hand in the heavens, may the gates of God’s kingdom be opened to all those who have died...
