Of Marriage and children. Our Gospel this Sunday presents us with the first of three encounters that Jesus has with different individuals. This Sunday he encounters the Pharisees and the following two Sundays he will encounter a young man and then James and John. Again we see that the emphasis is on teaching. This section of Mark’s Gospel […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Outsiders who are in and insiders who are out. A theme sounded in Mark’s Gospel in different ways is: “Outsiders can do good and insiders can do bad.” It is announced clearly in today’s Gospel Passage. In today’s reading it is John (an insider) who comes off badly. It isn’t just Peter who had difficulty and was rebuked by Jesus. John represents […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...On the way but arguing. Today we hear Jesus’ second announcement of his Passion and the response. Three passion predictions, response to each and Jesus’ teaching are central to this section of Mark’s Gospel known as THE WAY. Jesus asks them in today’s passage: “What were you arguing about on the way?” Mark […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...“A lot of rebuking going on.” Introduction: This Sunday we hear from the middle section of Mark’s Gospel. Jesus is on the WAY. He will be journeying from Galilee in the North toward Jerusalem . But in this middle section there is not only a change of geography, there is a shift from miracle working to teaching. Three announcements of […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...From somber warnings to saving deeds. The Gospel last Sunday returned to our reading from Mark’s Gospel. While last Sunday’s readings sounded somber warnings, today’s readings celebrate the saving deeds of God. Mark’s Gospel is structured in a number of ways. In broad strokes it has three parts, 1) The Galilee section heavy […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Inspired by letter or spirit? This Sunday’s readings show how law or rules can work for us or against us. The first reading is an example of how law is to work for the people of Israel. In the Gospel Jesus confronts laws that are working against People. The challenging newness of Jesus is certainly on display […]
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