(Mark 2:13-17) Prayer: O Jesus, call me into your Kingdom because I am a sinner. Imagination: (Picture Jesus at table with Levi and his friends.) Context: Having heard Jesus call him, Levi calls others. When they sit at table, some religious people complain. This allows Jesus to announce that he …
(Mark 2:1-12) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Give me friends with great faith. Imagination: (Picture Jesus healing the paralyzed man.) Context: The next five stories contain controversies which allow Jesus to make a solemn pronouncement (the high point of each story). This reveals Jesus’ prerogatives. In this story, Jesus proclaims that …
(Mark 1:40-45) Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Help me to believe that Jesus can cleanse me. Imagination: (Picture Jesus cleansing the leper) Context: Mark provides no geographical setting for this miracle. His goal is to show Jesus’ power and how his fame quickly spreads. Jesus tries to avoid this publicity. Gospel …
(Mark 1:29-39) Prayer: O Jesus, let me experience your healing power. Imagination: (Picture Jesus surrounded by the sick seeking to be healed.) Context: Jesus’ powers are diverse. He heals many illnesses and casts out all kinds of demons. They do not shout out because Jesus quiets them. When his work …
(Mark 1:21-28) Prayer: Come Holy Spirit. Set me free from the Kingdom of Darkness. Imagination: (Picture Jesus in a synagogue setting the man free from the unclean spirit.) Context: Mark groups his stories by geography. The next few stories take place at Capernaum, and provide a quick overview of Jesus’ …
(Mark 1:14-20) Prayer – Lord Jesus, invite me today to be your disciple. Imagination: (Picture Jesus calling his first disciples along the Sea of Galilee.) Context This gospel text begins “After John was arrested” and it records Jesus’ first homily of his public ministry. He repeats John’s teaching that the …
