In preparation, read the day's propers, and think about how you "fit in" as Christ's disciple. The Catholic Encyclopedia article on Mark is also helpful, and is found HERE.
In the day's gospel reading from John, Jesus said to His disciples, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit." Think on your "fruitfulness," and how it might, by God's grace, be expanded.
The above Icon of Mark writing his gospel is reminiscent of our own Icon of Saint Luke, and is probably also a Russian Icon.