Festival of St. Mark, Evangelist
2 Timothy 4:6-11, 18
[Paul writes:] 6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
9 Do your best to come to me soon, 10 for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
“… Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry. …”
Early in their missionary travels, Paul and Barnabas separate because Paul had an issue with Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Later, however, reconciliation must have happened because Paul encourages Timothy to find Mark and bring him back. “He is useful in my ministry,” the apostle now writes.
As situations change in life, so too do our relationships with others. What may have seemed like a chance meeting along the way becomes a close personal friendship. Someone we initially perceived to be adversarial becomes a trusted advisor. Those whom we would not associate with have become our dearest companions. All these things happen because, as we journey with the Lord, the Spirit opens possibilities for unforeseen relationships, partnering, and joint ministry.
That is why attentiveness to the Spirit is vital as we walk with our Lord. Being open to those who God puts in our path often leads to greater opportunities of mission. The more we can see others as means by which the Spirit is directing us the better able we are to fulfill God’s vision for us and them.
Sometimes, such openness puts us at risk; and at other times, nothing comes of the encounter. Still, when we trust in God’s presence and the power of the Spirit, it is more likely that God will bring about a good result from our encounters, partnerships, and openness to others. As Paul observed of Mark: Together, they were useful for the ministry in Christ’s name.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities we have to encounter and work with others in ministry. Open my heart and spirit that I may see Your presence in others, and discover the possibilities we share in working together for the sake of the kingdom. Amen.