ST. MARK was by birth a Roman, and served God
with such fervor among the clergy of that
Church,
that, advancing continually in sincere humility and
the knowledge and sense of his own weakness and
imperfections,
he strove every day to surpass himself in the fervor
of his charity and zeal, and in the exercise of all
virtues.
The persecution ceased in the West, in the
beginning of the year 305, but was revived a short
time after by Maxentius.
St. Mark abated nothing of his watchfulness, but
endeavored rather to redouble his zeal during the
peace of the Church;
knowing that if men sometimes cease openly to
persecute the faithful, the devil never allows them
any truce, and his snares are generally most to be
feared in the time of the calm.
St. Mark succeeded St. Sylvester in the apostolic
chair on the 18th of January, 336.
He held that dignity only eight months and twenty
days, dying on the 7th of October following.
He was buried in a cemetery in the Ardeatine Way,
which has since borne his name.
Reflection.--
A Christian ought
to be afraid of no enemy more than himself, whom
he carries always about with him, and from whom
he is not able to flee.
He should therefore never cease to cry out to God,
“Unless Thou, O Lord, art my light and support, I
watch in vain.”
