February 25, 2018

Second Sunday in Lent B    

Mark 8:27–38    

The reading that we just heard from the Gospel according to Mark once again demonstrates his compact writing style.  

The other thing that demonstrates the shortening of Mark’s Gospel is the number of events in today’s reading.  Normally we would hear Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ,” one Sunday and then we would hear Jesus teaching about His suffering, death, and resurrection on the following Sunday.  With Mark, we get them both on one Sunday and the reading still isn’t all that long. Continue reading →

February 4, 2018

Epiphany 5         

Mark 1:29-39    

Today’s Gospel reading continues where last week’s Gospel left off.  

From last week’s Gospel we learned that it was Jesus’ custom to teach in the synagogues on the Sabbath.  We also learned that one of the members of the synagogue tried to interrupt Jesus’ teaching because a demon had possessed him.  Jesus drove out the demon and in so doing demonstrated His power and His authority.  As a result of the exorcism and the power of His teaching, Jesus became very popular.   Continue reading →