Project BLACK MAMBA: Eastertide

'Tis the Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist (died circa 68): Evangelist-link ūnus, Evangelist-link duo, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

Traditionally ascribed author of the Gospel of Mark, Mark is said to have founded the church of Alexandria, one of the most important episcopal sees of early Christianity.

Quoth the Holy Family bulletin:

St. Mark was a cousin of (St.) Barnabas (11 June) & he accompanied St. Paul (25 January & 29 June) on his first missionary journey & later went with him to Rome. He was a disciple of St. Peter (22 February & 29 June) whose teaching was the basis for Mark's gospel. Mark is said to be the founder of the church of Alexandria.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Pedro de San José Betancur, O.F.B. (circa 1626-1667, Anglicized as Peter of Saint Joseph), founder of the Order of Bethlehemite Brothers: Saint-link ūnus, Saint-link duo, & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link O.F.B.

'Tis also the festival of Blesseds Mario Borzaga, Priest (O.M.I.), & Paul Thoj Xyooj, Martyrs (died 1960), martyred by the Panthet Lao Communists: Martyr-link Mike Bravo, Martyr-link Papa Tango X-ray, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Bls. Mario & Paul were beatified mere months hence, on 10 December 1916.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of St. Mark
The First Letter of Peter, chapter five, verses five(b) thru fourteen;
Psalm Eighty-nine, verses two & three, six & seven, & sixteen & seventeen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter sixteen, verses fifteen thru twenty.

Commentary: Easter Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron:

Friends, today Jesus commissioned his disciples (and us) to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. Then he was taken up to heaven where he took his place at God's right hand, as the disciples went forth and preached everywhere.

The ascension of Jesus signals the beginning of the era of the Church. As Jesus leaves the scene (at least in the most obvious sense), he opens the stage for us. What if Caesar, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Churchill were still striding the world stage? No one would have the courage to enter the game. So, Jesus leaves, that we might act in his name and in accord with his spirit.

And it is precisely those who are most focused on the things of heaven that do most good here below—Gandhi, King, Dorothy Day, John Paul II. Those who pray most intently are most effective in the practical realm. This too is opened up by the ascension.