Mark, the follower and “interpreter” of Peter, usually identified as the John Mark of acts, whose mother had a house in Jerusalem.

It is not enough to stay out of sin and to pray; we must also DO

Gospel: Matthew 25: 31–46
Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.

Both of today’s readings deal with the way we ought to behave towards each other. The First Reading tells us the kinds of things we ought not to do while the Gospel emphasises more what we should be doing.

What are you willing to risk for God?

Gospel: Matthew 25: 14–30
Well done, my good and faithful servant

The meaning of most parables is not so obvious, or at least it shouldn't be. If we assume we know what Jesus is talking about, we are probably missing the main point; if we are too familiar with the story (having heard it so often before), we might not think carefully enough about its real meaning.