"the ministry of reconciliation" (2 cor 5:18)
"There John left them and returned to Jerusalem." —Acts 13:13
John Mark left Paul and Barnabas at the beginning of the first missionary journey. Later, John Mark regretted his decision and wanted to go on the second missionary journey. "But Paul insisted that, as he had deserted them at Pamphylia, refusing to join them on that mission, he was not fit to be taken along now. The disagreement which ensued was so sharp that the two separated. Barnabas took Mark along with him and sailed for Cyprus" (Acts 15:38-39).
This division could have ruined Paul's and John Mark's lives and ministries, but they were reconciled. This was proven by the fact that Paul later considered Mark "of great service" (2 Tm 4:11) and urged the Colossians to "make him welcome" (Col 4:10). Paul became the great apostle, preacher, teacher, missionary, and martyr (2 Tm 1:11). John Mark became the first gospel writer. His gospel continues to be used by the Lord to transform the world even to the present.
Do you need to be reconciled with anyone? Drop everything; leave your gift at the altar; go and be reconciled; lose no time (Mt 5:24-25). Don't let unforgiveness ruin your life.
Prayer: Father, give me a life-changing ministry of reconciliation.
Promise: "I tell you this now, before it takes place, so that when it takes place you may believe that I AM." —Jn 13:19
Praise: The elderly and the youth together co-lead a monthly pro-life Mass and prayer vigil in front of an abortion chamber.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet on Unforgiveness Is The Cause or our tape Unforgiveness on audio AV 41-1 or video V-41.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, XXX 11, 2011
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