Gospel (Page 6)

Jesus was given in an act of vulnerability, he came vulnerable in manger-mild, and he was killed in the great act of willing vulnerability. This is important, and inextricably bound to his Kingship. This is the kind of king that Jesus was, and is. It does do one well toRead More →

We frequently hear the phrase, “the signs of the times”. This gospel deals with the signs of the end-times. Is there a certain tension between the description of these events (taken in part from the Book of Daniel) and the last verse which states that “about that day or hourRead More →

Widows are mentioned in both sections of this gospel. They represent the poorest and most vulnerable people in society. But those who “devour widows’ houses”, who multiply their sufferings, can be seen strutting around in public, even praying in public, seeking to be honoured. Such hypocrisy is hateful to Jesus.Read More →

How do I strive to love my family members, my neighbour, my co-workers or someone I happen to meet on the street?  Do I consciously strive to love every person I encounter, even the individuals I may not like? Hopefully, the time we spend with God each day makes usRead More →

Bartimaeus shows his faith in Jesus in two ways. Firstly he calls out to Jesus to heal him in a specific way. Faith is only faith when we are able to express exactly what it is we are trusting God for. It is no good to just ask a generalRead More →

Every day in our world numerous people jockey for power, esteem and position.  This need is so inherent in us human beings that often we do not recognise the subtle ways we strive for power, esteem or position. I wonder if our need to serve others is as natural to us asRead More →

For the rich young man, his money was a problem. He was good – kept all the commandments but maybe missed out on the main one, to love God and love the neighbour. Jesus’ heart went out to him in love, his misery and his wealth. But wealth blocked himRead More →

This week’s Gospel gives us a moment to pause and ask ourselves if we have become like the Pharisees – do we throw people away? Do we allow ourselves to buy into the hardness of heart that allows us to justify it? Do we find ourselves choosing the value of oneRead More →

To believe in Jesus is a great gift from God. Anyone that does a good act to another in His name are certainly blessed. Also, if someone gives you just a cup of water because you believe in the Lord, they too will receive a reward. On the other hand,Read More →

In last week’s lesson from Mark, Jesus had told the disciples about the suffering he was to undergo and the requirement that following him also meant suffering. In this week’s lesson, Jesus again tells his disciples that he will be betrayed and killed and will rise again. Mark tells usRead More →