“On this feast of St. Mark, we hear the Risen Lord’s clear command: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
This is not only a mission for priests, religious, or missionaries. This is a mission for all—especially for the lay faithful.
St. Mark himself was not one of the Twelve, yet he became an evangelist. He listened, he followed, and he shared the story of Jesus. That is already a message for us: you do not need a title to proclaim Christ—you need a heart that has encountered Him.
So how can lay people today participate in this mission?
First, evangelize through your life.
Before we speak, we must live the Gospel. In the family, be patient. In work, be honest. In society, be kind and just.
People may not read the Bible—but they will read your life. A life that reflects Christ is already a powerful proclamation.
Second, evangelize through your words.
Do not be afraid to speak about your faith. A simple sharing—“I will pray for you,” or “God helped me in this struggle”—can touch hearts.
Evangelization does not always mean preaching to crowds. Sometimes it is one conversation, one testimony, one moment of courage.
Third, evangelize through service.
When you help the poor, when you feed the hungry, when you care for the sick—you make the Gospel visible.
As Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it to me.” Love in action is the language everyone understands.
My dear friends, many today are searching—for meaning, for hope, for God. The Lord is sending you into your homes, your workplaces, your communities.
Do not say, “I am not ready,” or “I am not capable.” Remember: the Gospel says, “The Lord worked with them and confirmed the word.” When we do our part, God does His.
So today, let us ask the intercession of St. Mark: that we may become a Church that not only hears the Word, but proclaims it joyfully, courageously, and faithfully.
And may it be said of us, as it was of the first Christians, that through our lives, others come to know Christ.”