St. Mark’s Day, Alleluia.

He was a disciple, gospel-writer, evangelist, worked Cyprus in 47 with Paul and his cousin Barnabas. Did same later in Alexandria, where he “won the glory of martyrdom,” as Deacon John relates in his splendid TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS PROPERS IN ENGLISH blog.

But not before he did same with Pope Peter, working as secretary to the first pontiff, not to mention amanuensis, taking notes from his sermons about Jesus’ public ministry which became Mark’s gospel, the second after Peter in the New Testament but probably the first written.

His was “terse, picturesque language [that] must have been very close to the words of the former fisherman of Galilee.” Don’t you love it? We live and pray the words and recollections of a fisherman!

You see why I call it St. Mark’s Day and add an Alleluia. Because he was a reporter, just like me. AND arguably the best writer of a Gospel. His gospel is “short, action-packed,” wrote one-time newspaper reporter and AP wire editor Jack Zavada.

Here’s Mark’s gospel’s opener, in the nonpareil Knox translation:

1

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2

It is written in the prophecy of Isaias, Behold, I am sending before thee that angel of mine who is to prepare thy way for thy coming;

3

there is a voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, straighten out his paths.✻

4

And so it was that John appeared in the wilderness baptizing, announcing a baptism whereby men repented, to have their sins forgiven.

5

And all the country of Judaea and all those who dwelt in Jerusalem went out to see him, and he baptized them in the river Jordan, while they confessed their sins.

6

John was clothed with a garment of camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle about his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7

And thus he preached, One is to come after me who is mightier than I, so that I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his shoes.

8

I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

9

At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10

And even as he came up out of the water he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down and resting upon him.

11

There was a voice, too, out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.✻