Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the third week of Easter, April 25th, 2026, Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist

Delivered by Vivian from the Parish of Saint Thomas the Apostle in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 Peter 5: 5b-14; Rs psalm 89: 2-3.6-7.16-17; Mark 16: 15-20.MARK THEAUTHENTIC DISCIPLE Our meditationtoday has the theme: Mark the Authentic Disciple. The difference between anauthentic and non-authentic student is on the aspects of persistence, loyalty,and productivity. Saint Mark the evangelist is classified as an authenticdisciple because he fulfilled these three criteria. He was diligent as adisciple of the Apostle Peter, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and agenuine one in the missionary journey of the early Church. Studying with agood teacher is a special experience for every student. A formative and trustedrelationship builds the foundation for true self-development and learning forthe student. The experiences of Peter and Mark sufficiently illustrate that theblessing of the Lord Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit hadproduced in them an ideal cooperation in carrying out the mission of the EarlyChurch. Saint Peter described this relationship by referring to Mark as his ownson. The strongfellowship between teacher and student and can be compared to parents andchild, God and human beings is basically a sort of power. Such relationship canbe likened to a powerful weapon. The benefits of this power are as described intoday's first reading of St. Peter's first letter (5, 6-14), that says aboutfighting the devil who walks around like a roaring lion looking for someone todevour, fight it with a strong faith. This is a sign of being a true discipleof Jesus. Mark had provedto be very faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ, eventually achieving hiscalling as a gospel writer. The Spirit of Jesus Christ really worked in him,especially in inspiring him to write. The sacred tradition of the Church saysthat this Gospel is the closest to the authentic one. This actually confirmsthat the Gospel of Mark is the first gospel written, compared to the other 3Gospels. Its content is the least or the shortest, and according to traditionthe shortest writing is closer to the original. In the followingof Jesus' commission for the apostles and disciples to go all over the world toproclaim the gospel to all nations, Saint Mark took this duty seriously. Hebecame the Apostle Peter's travel companion around the world of the MiddleEast, then to Rome and the world of Europe. Tradition says that St. Peter diedas a martyr in Rome, while St. Mark explored the land of Italy and is believedto have died in northern Italy. Let's pray. In thename of the Father... O good Lord, thank You for Your choice the evangelistMark who teaches us about Your truth message of the Gospel. May we love moreand more the scriptures. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of theFather...