Mark Wahlberg Opens Up On Faith and His Journey This Lent - Inspirational Videos

Mark Wahlberg has been a recognizable face for decades, starring in such hit films as Father Stu, The Departed and Lone Survivor. The Hollywood actor is also very outspoken about his faith and relationship with God.

Mark appeared on the Today Show, where he sat down with Savannah Guthrie and talked about Lent, faith and the role faith plays in his life. Faith, Mark says, is a big part of who he is, even if Hollywood may frown upon religion and faith.

“I don’t want to jam it down anybody’s throat,” Mark said. “But I do not deny my faith, that’s an even bigger sin. You know, it’s not popular in my industry but, you know, I cannot deny my faith. It’s important for me to share that with people.”

Mark also mentioned how faith and God have made him a better person. 

“God did not come to save the saints. He came to save the sinners,” Mark said. “We’ve all had things and issues in our lives, and we want to be better versions of ourselves and through focusing my faith, it’s allowed me to do that.”

When it comes to Lent, most people associate it with fasting and giving up food. However, Mark explains that it does not have to be food.

“There are many different elements to fasting,” Mark said. “I think the important thing to understand is if, first of all, if you have issues with food, there are other things. God knows the things that he wants you to detach from.” 

He added that Lent and his faith, as a whole, has taught him discipline, which has served him well in his career and personal life. Specifically, Mark said that throughout Lent he will refrain from eating any meat on Fridays. Also, he added that he will only eat one meal on Fridays during this period prior to Easter. 

Near the end of the interview, Mark talked about his family, setting an example for his children and how he starts every day.

“I want them to gravitate toward it [faith] in a very natural way,” Mark said. “I want them to understand that dad has to start his day by getting on his hands and his knees and no matter where I am, the priority on Sunday is to go to church.” 

Mark 16:15 “And he said to them, ‘Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”