Most scholars believe that Mark's Gospel was the first one to be written. It was more than likely written In Rome just prior to Nero's persecution say AD65. The tradition holds that much of Mark's Gospel is sourced directly from St Peter. So much of the Gospel is an eye written account. You can almost hear St Peter telling Mark about the day when some guys took his roof off to let a paralytic down or the healing of Jairus' daughter. These are vivid moments in the Gospel. Tradition too tells us that Mark was in the garden of Gethsemane and it was him who streaked home after his robe was snatched! There is an ancient church in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem which claims to be built on the site of Mark's house. It is well worth a visit. An old Armenian lady was full of stories when I met her there. She was the Official guide. She was brilliant. I am not at all sure that her stories would be accepted as historically accurate but they certainly added colour to the legends of St Mark.
Nowadays St Mark is most closely associated with Venice. He has the symbol of the lion. He is featured in our church above the tabernacle and in the windows by the organ.
Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four and so much of it tells us of the Passion. we can all imagine how those first Christians must have been consoled and affirmed in the Faith by their reading of it.
St Mark pray for us today/.
Parish News
I have celebrated Mass for my Aunt, Tess O'Friel and for Sarah Harker's intentions. My sister Carmel whom many of you know from Lourdes has been taken into hospital. Any spare prayers will be welcome. Also [please pray for the repose of the soul of John Fox (Patsy Barningham's younger brother) who has just died. H e has been poorly for quite a while. I knew him form my last parish in Teesville. A lovely man.
I will celebrate Mass for you all tomorrow.
God Bless,
canon Michael
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