In the churches epistle for Saint Mark's day are these words, from the prophesy of Ezekiel: They turned not when they went, but every one went straight forward. How came it to be otherwise with Saint Mark, if the same individual as John Mark, as is now generally concluded? For we read, that after attending Paul and Barnabas a little while in the work whereunto the Holy Ghost had taken them, departing from them, he returned to Jerusalem. He went not with them to the work. His misconduct gives rise to many reflections. I wish your attention to one. The influence of relations, either by word or example, sometimes leads young persons to a hasty profession of earnestness in religion. They have not looked into their own hearts. They have not earnestly and humbly sought the converting grace of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said to one who had offered to follow him, but showed a divided heart: No man, putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Let John Mark's temporary fall (for he recovered, and by God's grace, became an eminent evangelist), warn all to examine into the causes and motives of their profession of religion. Was it from the advice and persuasion of others near and dear to you? or because their conversation and life seemed so blameless and upright? These, though good as moving influences, are not sufficient to fix the affections of the heart on God, and to keep the good thing taken up from such assaults of sin, the world and the Devil, as all Christ's soldiers will surely have. Let all consider well the message to the Church at Sardis: I know thy works, that thou hast the name of being alive; and thou art dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp