Mark 1.

Our first reading of the new year is Mark, chapter one. 

 I won't always have a comment on the reading, but simply leave a post like this one for you to comment on and discuss the reading. But today, I'll say these couple of things.

1. Mark's gospel usually has a lot action taking place in a short number of verses -- like "Action Headline News". In this chapter, Jesus is announced by John according to the prophecy of Isaiah; John is at work calling the people to be baptized for repentence; Jesus is baptized; John is arrested; Jesus is tempted; John is arrested; Jesus begins his ministry, calls his first disciples, heals, casts out demons, spends time alone, does more healing, and states that the Kingdom of God has come near and it's time to repent. 

Whew. 

2. The supernatural world bleeds through into the natural world in this chapter. Notice the voice from heaven (God) approving Jesus' baptism, followed by the Spirit compelling Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, and angels attending him when his 40 days are completed. Notice also that Jesus first healing action was the casting out of a demon from a man in Capernaum, followed by many healings and demon-casting. 

3. We already see that Jesus wants to control the message of his identity until the appropriate time. 

4. Jesus maintains a balance between his preaching and his healing. 

What did you notice in your reading? Add a comment using the link. If you choose to post anonymously, please include your name in the comment. The best way to post is to choose the Comment as Name / URL, and just enter your name.