Gospel of Mark Series: Overview & Jesus introduced- Part 1-The Title.

Welcome to my Gospel of Mark Series. During 2012-13, each week, I will write a post about the Gospel of Mark as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season of Year B.

During the previous introductory posts to this series, I set the scene and talked about the Gospels in general and defined and discussed the meaning and implication of the Gospel in our lives.  Then I explored the Gospel of Mark examining the purpose of Mark's writing and its style and structure.

So how will we explore Mark's Gospel?

Using the format below  which I have found effective, can take as little as 10-15 minutes or as long as you wish and is suitable for an individual,family or group of parishioners.

 SUGGESTED FORMAT

1.  Collect your journal (if you choose to use one) and pen.  I find that if I do not use a journal, then I have a notepad ready since as I gradually still my mind, distractions such as what should be on the shopping list occur. Pen and paper help to keep these distractions to a minimum. 
2. Light a candle, then sit quietly letting go of the éxcess chatter of the brain. Move onto step 3 when your heart and mind are stilled enough to focus.
3. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to guide you in your study of the designated scripture passage.
4. Read designated Scripture passage for the week.
5. Pause for reflection on relevant scripture questions.
6. Have family members/parishioners share. If you are embarking on this journey alone, then share your findings with the Holy Spirit.
7. Ask The Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart and mind and listen to what He wants to share with you.
8. Close with a prayer or hymn.

In the following posts, I will not repeat the format. You may be comfortable with a different format or you may adapt this format for your situation. The important thing is that we come to know and love Jesus more through our study of St Mark's Gospel.

The overall structure of St Mark's Gospel can be divided as follows:

1. Jesus is introduced-           1:1-13.
2. Jesus calls His discples-    1:14-3:6.
3. Jesus with His people.-     3:7-6:6.
4. Jesus in His mission-         6:6-8:30.
5. Jesus forms His disciples   8:31-10:52.
6. Jesus comes to Jerusalem: 11:1-13:37.
7. Jesus dies on the Cross      14:1-16:8.
8. Appearances of the Risen Christ 16:9-20.

Within each section above, there are key stories upon which to reflect. Each week I will discuss these.

SECTION 1: JESUS IS INTRODUCED:

1.  St Mark introduces us to Jesus by using His title.(1:1)
2. The preaching of John the Baptist. (1:2-8)
3. The Baptism of Jesus. (1:9-11)
4. Jesus in the desert. (1:12-13).

This week, let us explore  Section 1.1- The title of Jesus.

Although we are looking at the very first verse and only one verse, it is significant. It reads:

"The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God". 

Straightaway, Mark gives Jesus His title as Christ and Son of God. Christ means Messiah. In ancient times, it meant king, a priest,  or prophet anointed to God with oil for a task, but especially an anointed one yet to come. 

Christians confess Jesus to be the Christ and the Son of God because He:

• fulfilled Old Testament prophesies.
• was raised to life by God, not by oil but with the Holy Spirit.
• shared equally with the Father and the Holy Spirit in His life on earth.
• breathed the Holy Spirit into the world by His resurrection in God's power.

These two title terms become a centrepiece of Mark's Gospel in Chapter 8:29- Peter's confession of Jesus as "Messiah", and in chapter 15:39, the roman centurion's confession of Jesus as " Son of God".

When Mark wrote " the beginning of the Gospel", he wanted us to understand along with the audience of his own time that eveything he wrote about Jesus is the beginning and foundation of the Gospel which the church was sent to announce. Mark is the only evangelist who used the word  "gospel"or the"  good news".

It is interesting to note that the word " Christ" occurs seven times throughout his gospel, whereas Jesus is named the "'Son of God" twice by God Himself and on five other occassions. As we explore Mark's gospel, we may wish to keep this in mind and perhaps make a note of it in our journal, since we may wish to find these examples and understand the title in context of the texts.

On reflecting on this short verse, we may wish to appreciate the difference between the evangelists.  Each week at Mass, we hear ' the gospel according to...

As a family/parishioner or small study group, why not explore the following:Each member tell a story/event that all members are familiar. 

1. Allow a certain time for each member to share.
   b)Have one member of the group write each member's contribution.
   (c)When each member has finished, allow the recorder to reflect back what he/she wrote.(d)Observe and discuss the similarities and differences in the same story/event by each member.
   NB: It is important however to remember that the evangelists were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Listen to Jesus as He introduces Himself to you.
2. What does it mean to know Jesus as Messiah- the one who saves  in my life? What areas of my life need Jesus as Messiah to save?
3. How might you tell the Gospel- spread the good news to others ( family, work colleagues, parishioners, those we meet each day).
4. Share with the group your own reflection thoughts on how this verse has introduced you to Jesus in a new or different way.

 In the next post, we will further explore being introduced to Jesus by the preaching of John the Baptist.

Often we say no news is good news. In some instances, this is indeed true.  However, when it comes to introducing others to Christ, it is indeed good news to hear the Gospel, appreciate more fully terms such as Gospel, Christ, Messiah and Son of God mean at a deeper level and introduce Our Messiah  to others.