It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

John the baptizer, Reflection on Mark 1:4-8

Open your prayer today with Psalm 29:1-2
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.

The lectionary this week gives us two texts that discuss the baptism of Jesus by John.

In Mark, we read how John was attracting a large audience as he preached in the wilderness. People from throughout the countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were were coming to hear him.

(All the people? Non-Jews, too? )

They came because they wanted a new life. They wanted to be forgiven for their sins.

As their ancestors had crossed the Jordan into their new life, they entered this river for their new beginning.

Yet, John was not their goal, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me."

Lectio Divina: Mark 1:7-8

No comments: