Mark Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Summary

Chapter 13 is a prophetic chapter: Jesus prophesizes about the End Times. The language is stark and at times violent. Remember that the Israelites thought the coming of the Messiah would usher in a new era, a new period of time. This new era would be marked by physical markers: Jesus describes these, although not in the same way as the expectation in vv. 3-8. The greatest sign, it appears from Jesus’s teaching, will be the destruction of the temple (vv.1-2). This will occur on many levels and at different times: the veil of the temple will be torn following Jesus’s death; Jesus, who often refers to himself as being the temple, at least the cornerstone (like he did in chapter 12); and finally in 72 AD the Romans will completely destroy the Jewish temple marking the end of Temple Judaism as history has recorded it.

The Great Tribulation that Jesus describes in vv. 14-23 precedes the coming of the Messiah (some times called the “Son of Man”) that Jesus relates in vv. 24-27). This is probably set off the Pharisees something fierce because Jesus is essentially making himself to be God here, and if there is one thing the Pharisees can’t stand, it’s blasphemy.

But at the end of this chapter, Jesus sets down the prayerful and peaceful disposition that he wants all to wait for his coming. This is the essential message of our Liturgical celebration of Advent: Watch! (vv. 32-37) Those who have lived the Gospel, responded to the Lord, and embraced repentance are ready for His Coming, so they’ve nothing to fear. Jesus tells them, “Just watch and wait for my coming.”

That’s where we want to be!

Point for Prayer

A elderly priest friend of mine once told me: “The best thing you can do to prepare for Jesus’s coming is always to know what you’re doing. If you can always know what you’re doing, then chances are, most of the time, you’ll be doing right. And that’s a good thing to be doing.”

How am I doing in the watchfulness department? Anything I need to change right now to put me in a state of grace- into a positive, life-giving, and loving relationship with God?

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Mark Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Summary

Continuing from Friday, this first parable (vv. 1-12) follows up the actions of Chapter 11.  There is not a lot that is veiled here- Jesus is calling the Pharisees ad scribes out on the carpet. His patience is exhausted and one could read this with a certain contempt on the part of Jesus. But, remember Jesus passionate plea for repentance: Jesus’s lack of patience is meant to provide these people with one last chance for conversion.

Sadly, there are not too many takers at this point. Not only has Jesus gone this far to his own crucifixion, but the mechanism that would bring him to that crucifixion are also set in motion and there is no turning back. His exchange with the Pharisees that extends through v. 13-44 shows the tension in the air and reveals the fact that Jesus can do no more for them who would preside at his trial and crucifixion.

But there are hidden nuggets here: Jesus setting up the intersection between faith life and public life (vv. 13-17); Jesus reminding us of the Greatest Commandment to Love and Serve (vv. 28-34); and a final emphasis on generosity and authenticity (vv. 41-44).

Point for Prayer

How well do I reflect the Lord’s Greatest Commandment in my own life? In what ways can I live that better in the individual moments and relationships that make up my life?

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Mark Chapter 11

Chapter 11 Summary

And so we’ve come to the beginning of the end. Jesus has been moving to this point, unimpeded and without interruption. Mark has presented his moving from Capernaum, the starting place of his ministry, to Jerusalem, the ending place. His entry into Jerusalem (vv. 1-11) which we celebrate on Palm Sunday, begins the proximate series of events that will lead to the culmination on Calvary which we celebrate on Good Friday. The shouts of “Hosanna” and the waving of the palm branches are bittersweet and filled with irony.

But, as to this chapter, there is much happening here.  Jesus cleanses the temple of cheaters in vv. 15-19- a prefiguring of the newness that Jesus will usher in with his Resurrection and his institution of both the Eucharist and the Church.

The lesson of the fig tree is similar in nature (vv. 12-14 and explained in vv. 20-26). The fig tree is a tradition symbol for Israel. The fact that Jesus orders one to wither is an indication of their unwillingness to believe it the Gospel of Repentance that he has been preaching. By cleansing the Temple in vv. 15-19 Jesus is indicating that something new is being ushered in amidst the withered old fig trees. The application here for us is that we don’t want to be the withered fig tree. We want to be nourished and sustained by the Lord- like a vine to a branch.

The final part of this chapter is an altercation with the Pharisees once Jesus is inside Jerusalem (vv. 27-33). We have the Pharisees demanding a sign from Jesus that he has the authority to do the things that he has been doing and so they put up a question to Jesus. Jesus, being smarter than the average bear, speaks and teaches with an authority that even the Pharisees cannot comprehend. So, Jesus enters into dialogue with them, but the fullness of his exchanges with them doesn’t come until the parables that Jesus teaches the Pharisees in chapter 12. So, in a way, we have to wait for Monday. But, suffice it here to say, Jesus will now tell the Pharisees what he has told his disciples and his apostles: Jesus has arrived at the moment when the old establishment, represented by the cleansing of the temple and the withered fig tree, will be done away with, and something new, represented by the Eucharist and Church, will be instituted by Jesus- definitely and eternally.

Point for Prayer

Dear Jesus of the spiritual absolutes, show me how to take my whole mind and focus it on total belief in you. Enlighten my will so that I can totally trust you. Enlarge my heart so I can love you without reserve. Empower my spiritual strength to the point where I am willing to give all my strength to hoping in you. Amen. (From To Love and Be Loved By Jesus, by Father Alfred McBride, pg. 107).

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Mark Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Summary

This chapter is all about Jesus teaching. There’s a teaching about marriage in divorce (vv. 1-12); followed by an object lesson with the Rich Man (vv. 17-31); Jesus turns the ambition of James and John (vv. 35-45) into a teaching lesson with the curing of blind Bartimaeus (vv. 46-52).

Interspersed between these teaching moments Jesus, constantly on the move, blesses the children (vv. 13-16) and also makes yet another prediction about his own Passion (vv. 32-34).  Again, the action is quick and Jesus is quickly approaching that for which he was sent. There is no holding back or slowing down.

The interaction with the rich man and the one with James and John have a similar lesson to teach. Jesus is trying to make clear, as he’s done before, the reality of the Kingdom of God and who gets in and who doesn’t. He makes it clear: not those inordinately attached to riches or those with ego-driven ambition, but those who are childlike- children who trust in the providential care of God the Father who loves us and care for us as a parent loves and cares for their children. The conversation with the rich man, James and John should give us pause and invite us to reflect on this idea of being child-like in the presence of God.

Secondly, the interaction with Bartimaeus is also rich with significance. Bartimaeus is blind and does not ‘see’. But he knows enough of this Jesus to venture a guess at his true Identity. And so, he throws it out there: “Jesus, Son of David (a Messianic title), have pity on me!”  The blind man sees who Jesus is even though he’s blind. James, John, the rich man from early, they don’t see. What can that teach us about faith and trust. Then notice what happens: Bartimaeus approaches the Lord, confident that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and what does Jesus say to him: “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man makes he request, and Jesus grants it without hesitation.

Wow- there’s our point for prayer.

Point for Prayer

Pray with Bartimaeus. Imagine being called by Jesus to stand in front of him and to have him ask you that question: “What do you want me to do for you?”  Go to a place of quiet with Jesus and answer his question because he’s asking you in the same way he asked Bartimaeus.

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Mark Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Summary

The first part of this chapter follows up Peter’s confession of Faith from back in chapter 8 (v. 29). This chapter starts with the Transfiguration (vv. 1-8) of Jesus in front of Peter, James and John.  This Transfiguration happens on several levels. There is Jesus’s bodily transfiguration with his body being lifted up, his face glowing and him appearing with Moses and Elijah.  On another level, Jesus is, in a way, transfigured in his own calling: he is lifted up with Moses and Elijah- he is the fulfillment of both the Old Testament Law (Moses) and the Old Testament Prophets (Elijah). Thirdly, his had to have caused some kind of transfiguration in the three apostles that were gathered with him on the top of that mountain. Finally, Jesus’s full identity is revealed by the Voice from the Cloud (i.e. God) who reveals to all the world, “This is my beloved Son.” And then the command, “Listen to Him.” Can’t get much clearer than that!

Also included in this chapter is a fascinating healing episode (vv. 14-29). Jesus has an altercation, and depending on how you read it, a not so pleasant altercation, with the father of this boy who is possessed by a demon. The boy is in terrific pain and his father asks Jesus to heal him. However, Jesus seems to put the onus back on the father. Notice the dialogue between Jesus and the father (vv. 22-24). But the father is further to the true Faith than he might at first have realized. That beautiful verse of surrender and abandonment: “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”

Jesus offers a second prediction of his own death (vv. 30-32), followed quickly by a teaching episode that spans 18 verses (vv. 33-50). This teaching episode seems to follow up the teaching that Jesus offers in verse 29- the necessity of prayer and discipleship. These verses seem to spell that out even further by describing the order of things in heaven in that it is the poorest, sickest and worst sinner that has pride of place in Heaven after the Redemption of their souls. Jesus is really laying it all out here. Read those verses slowly and maybe twice to get the fullness of what he is saying.

Notice the hyperbolic example that Jesus is offering in vv. 42-48. (BTW- DO NOT CUT OFF YOUR HAND!)  Jesus is using overstatement and a tongue-in-cheek figure of speech to get his point across.  And that’s where our point for prayer is.

Point for Prayer

Read verses 42-48. What is Jesus really saying about sin? About avoiding vice? How hard should we try to avoid putting ourselves in a place of temptation? After praying with these questions, make of prayer of surrender to God. Ask Him to help you avoid the temptations that can lead to sin.

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Mark Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Summary

Up to this point, Jesus has been performing miracles and other signs in testimony to his identity and mission. By the end of chapter 8, propelled by Peter’s confession of faith (v. 29), the mystery of Jesus’s identity and mission will be revealed and scope of both will be brought into focus both for Jesus and for those who would call themselves disciples.

The chapter begins with Jesus feeding the multitude (vv. 1-10). The Eucharistic overtones are obvious here: notice v. 6. Jesus generosity is lavish to the point of overabundance.

Then Jesus has an altercation with the Pharisees (vv. 11-21). It’s interesting that the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus after he has already multiplied the loaves and fishes, not to mention the sign that follows in vv. 22-26.  The healing of the blind man here is interesting. Notice v. 24 and what the blind man says he sees- ‘men walking around like trees.’ The image here is that of the Cross- Jesus with his arms spread on the Cross would like the extending branches of a tree. A prefiguring, no doubt, of Jesus’s crucifixion.

But now we come to the meat of the Gospel, the center of Mark’s Gospel is Peter’s Confession of Faith in  v. 29.  Peter’s confession of Faith in Christ Jesus will then set into motion Jesus revealing even more about who he is and the fullness of his mission, culminating in the Crucifixion. But then in vv. 34-38 Jesus also sets out the conditions of following him. Those are tough words from Jesus and ones that may not be all that pleasant to even our modern ears and sensibilities.

The costs of discipleship are real. And true discipleship will cost us something. I read that somewhere, or heard it put this way: If being a Catholic Christian and being a Disciple of Jesus is easy for you, then you’re not doing it right.  I think that’s exactly what Jesus is getting at here. And I think that’s our Point for Prayer.

Point for Prayer

Is my discipleship to the Lord costing me something?  Am I forced to hand over ego, pride, personal preference, or plans so that I can follow the Lord more closely?  Am I willing to do so?

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Mark Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Summary

This chapter marks the beginning of Jesus’s antagonistic relationship with the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees of the Jewish Temple establishment. In the first verses of this chapter (vv. 1-23) we see Jewish confronting and challenging and even superseding the old Jewish traditions and replacing them with the newness of His Messiahship that will culminate in his Death and Resurrection. Notice the focus on exterior versus interior cleanliness; notice the harsh words that Jesus has for hypocrisy. 

Jesus then has an interaction with a Greek woman (vv. 24-30). The woman has a sick daughter and it is culturally taboo for Greeks and Jews to intermingle in any way. Jesus uses the opportunity to break down that barrier, that taboo. The woman too, convinced of Jesus’s power and His divinity, breaks the boundary on her side and humbles herself even more to receive the Lord’s healing for her daughter.

Finally, this chapter closes with Jesus healing a deaf person (vv. 31-37). The details of Jesus putting his hands on the man’s tongue, spitting and groaning seem weird. But Jesus will come to explain that healing, and even prayer, are not necessarily matters for words or even, to an extent, actions. But are instead the fruit of deep, wordless prayer that originates and flows from the heart.

Point for Prayer

Read the first 23 verses of this chapter again. And then we great deal of courage and trust in the Lord, reflect on where the Lord might be calling you to change in the same way he challenges the Pharisees and Scribes. Remember, the Lord’s call to conversion to always a gentle call and the change is always change for the better.

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Mark Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Summary

Chapter 6 is LOADED!  Lots going on here.  Lets dive in and pick out some highlights.

The chapter begins with a public rejection(vv. 1-6) of his ministry in his home town of Nazareth. This is significant because it demonstrates for us the reality of the relationship between message and messenger.  This is a tenuous relationship when applied to the current church. But Jesus is worried about his friends and family reject him and his message out right. In Jesus’s case, rejection of the message, is rejection of the messenger. And vice versa.

This is followed up by the commissioning of the 12 (vv. 7-13). Jesus has some strong words of warning encouragement for his Apostles. He also teaches them about the mode in which they will operate. Bottom line: the primary, and really only, priority to preaching the Gospel is to preach the Gospel. There is this call to a single minded dedication, near obsession with preaching the Good News.

We then has a brief interlude with a description of the events leading up to John the Baptizer’s execution (vv. 13-29).  John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Jesus: he only mission was to point out the Messiah when he came. Between that and slapping around Herod earned him execution- again, the cost of discipleship.

The Apostles return in vv. 30-33 and to debrief Jesus invites them to come away with Him so they can rest and recharge. But they don’t get far. While trying to go away Jesus is drawn up into a vast crowd, to whom he preaches. After he preaches, he feeds them with bread- feeding more than 5,000 people.  There is symbolic meaning to the number of baskets left over: 12. 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles… the number 12 is a number of universality, of totality: Jesus feeds in abundance; the Apostles, 12 in number, go out to all parts of the world.

After feeding the multitude, he dismisses the crowd and the Apostles. They climb into a boat, Jesus starts to walk, the disciples start to sail and before you know it: there’s Jesus walking on the water! What the…!  Where did he come from! Jesus’s words here (v.50) speak for themselves.

The chapter ends with Jesus healing numerous people in the town of Gennesaret. His work is never done; constantly on the move; he has now drawn the Apostles into His tireless ministry. They would never be the same. The world will never be the same!

Point for Prayer

After preaching the Good News, the Apostles return to Jesus and he invites them: “Come away with me, by yourselves, to a quiet place, and rest for awhile.”

We all need that. We all need quiet, restful time with the Lord. When was the last time you took time be alone with the Lord? When did you last go on a retreat? Ever thought about starting your day with solitary and silent time alone with Jesus in prayer?

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Mark Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Summary

This chapter consists entirely of healing. There are three separate and yet complementary healings.

The first is given in vv. 1-19; the second and third are interwoven in vv. 21-43.  In the first, Jesus heals a man possessed by a demon of some kind. In the second, he heals a woman who has had menstrual bleeding for years and years. The third healing is actually a resurrection story in which Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead.

We can highlight two things from these three episodes.  The first is a reminder that healing is an essential part of Jesus’s ministry.  As we read before, it is the very reason for his life and ministry; and ironically enough, also his suffering and death. Jesus’s healing ministry is indiscriminate: he finds himself healing a man who is possessed and is therefore considered an outcast from his society. Likewise, the woman with the bleeding would have been excluded not only from her community, but also from temple worship because she would have been considered “unclean”. Lastly, Jesus goes to the home of a synagogue official- Jairus- who was a member of the group that was diametrically opposed to Jesus’s preaching. So, Jesus is lavish and indiscriminate with his healing compassion.

This brings us to our second point. Notice the way in which the people respond to Jesus’s healing. In the first episode, the people who witness the healing actually ask Jesus to leave their town (v. 17). In the other two episodes, the response is more positive. In these two episodes, Jesus puts a focus on the need for Faith- the response of the people to Jesus’s presence and power- the outcome is far better for both Jesus and those who welcome his healing ministry.

Point for Prayer

Compassionate Jesus, you enfolded the man from the tombs, the woman with the flow of blood, and the little girl with your saving healing and your saving grace. You offer all of us your mercy, not just for our mental, emotional and physical well being, but also for our soul’s health. I pray for the kind of faith witnessed by all these good people. I believe. Help my unbelief (From To Love and Be Loved by Jesus, by Father Alfred McBride, pg. 57).

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Back in the Saddle!

Friends,
Vacation was great; it's even greater to back!  Total joy celebrating Mass today at church after having been gone for 10 days!

So, back in the saddle.

-MQP school starts tomorrow; Kirkwood's back already; Webster too I think; to our high schoolers and college students; teachers, parents- peace and God's blessings as we enter into another school year!

-We'll resume our Chapter-a-Day Bible Prayer tomorrow. We're picking up at Mark, chapter 5.

-This upcoming Sunday we're going to celebrate our parish Feast Day - the Queenship of Mary. Father Bob is making breakfast for everyone! ;-)

-We continue to hold the Murch family in prayer!

-We give thanks to God for everything!

Peace to you and your family,
FrC

Silence for a while

Friends,
Because of numerous circumstances, we're gonna call a time out on the Chapter-a-Day Gospel Meditation we've been praying with.

Following Mass on Sunday, I'm heading out to recharge my batteries after a rather difficult 60 days. I'll return to the parish on August 15th and we'll resume our Gospel Meditations on August 16th.

Know of my continued prayers and Love for you during my absence.

United in Prayer we remain.

Peace to you and your family.
Fr Craig