When an author takes pen in hand and begins to write, typically they have an audience in mind. Romance novels are geared to women. Westerns were once penned toward men. There are children’s authors and science fiction works. So who were the Gospels written for?
In the case of the Gospel of Mark, most agree that he was speaking not to Jews, but to Gentiles, to the Romans and the Greeks. While his gospel tells us of the life of Christ, it is written from the teachings and perspectives of Peter. At least that was the opinion of early scholars. Modern scholars believe the Gospel of Mark was written anonymously. Those willing to give the author a name conveniently think his name may have been Mark, as the title implies, but not the same Mark found in the Bible. I’ve never fully understood why people need to argue of details that are so unimportant in the greater scheme of things. Christ lived, He taught, He was nailed to a tree, and rose from the dead. Who wrote what when, where, why and how doesn’t matter. Faith is the real key. Either you believe or you don’t. Belief is not knowing with tangible facts. It comes from deep within, that spiritual connection we all have to God and to each other.
Saint Mark is often associated with a winged lion. This comes from an association with Mark’s description of Saint John the Baptist as “a voice of one crying out in the desert” and the four winged creatures as the four evangelists in Ezekiel’s vision. The four Gospels are believed to be the evangelists Ezekiel had prophesized.
Today the Catholic and Easter Orthodox churches observe the Feast of Saint Mark. One of the most striking elements in the Gospel of Mark is that he depicts Jesus as reserved, reluctant to publicly declare Himself the Messiah. As a Catholic, I rely on the oral traditions as just as important in my faith as those put to pen. It’s one of the ways that the Catholic Faith is rich and multi-layered.
Tuscan Pork Tenderloin
4 Garlic Cloves
1 tablespoon fresh Rosemary
1/ tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt to taste
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
Peel garlic, roughly dice. Strip rosemary from the stems, roughly dice. Place garlic, rosemary, oil and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Pulse until mixture has formed a paste.
Rub pork tenderloin all over with the paste. Wrap in plastic wrap, let stand for 30 minutes
Heat oven to 350-degrees. Place a V-Rack inside a rimmed baking sheet, spray with cooking spray. Pour some water into the pan to create steam wile roasting. Nestle tenderloin in the v-rack.
Roast in the heated oven, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes or until internal temperature is 145-degrees. Let meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slow Cooker Italian Herb Potatoes
Italian Seasoning Mix
1 tablespoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon dried Basil
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon dried Marjoram
1 tablespoon Onion Powder
1 tablespoon dried Oregano
1/2 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
1 tablespoon dried Rosemary
1 tablespoon dried Thyme
In a bowl, combine all herbs and seasonings. Mix until well-blended. Place seasoning blend into an airtight container or spice jar. Can be used immediately or stored for later.
Slow Cooker Potatoes
6 medium Red Potatoes
1/4 cup Water
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (Above)
1 teaspoon dried Parsley
4 tablespoons Butter
Wash and pat dry potatoes. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, then into chunks about a quarter of an inch thick or so. Place cut potatoes into crock pot.
Add water and sprinkle the Italian Seasoning and parsley over potatoes. Stir to distribute seasoning into potatoes. Cut butter into pieces. Scatter cut butter over top of potatoes. Cover and cook on LOW for at least 5 hours or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Served together along with your favorite vegetable such as green beans, this is a meal packed with flavors your family with enjoy.
Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go ye into the whole of the world,
And preach the Gospel to every creature”
Mark 16:15
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