GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
ARRIVAL IN GALILEE AND CALL OF THE DISCIPLES: Mk 1,14-20
Coming to Galilee: 1,14-15
Consider how these two verses are connected and why they are so important. How do these verses complete the Prologue? Compare with Mt 4,12-17.
How is the message of Jesus similar to that of John the Baptist - and how does it differ?
How is the word "Good News" used in these verses as well as in the first verse?
The "Good News (Gospel) of God" is a common phrase in the New Testament: see, for example, Romans 1,1; 1 Thess 2,8; 1 Peter 4,17. What does this phrase mean?
Compare the fate of John (1,14) with that of Jesus (10,33) and of his followers (13,9) - though, as so often, the point may not be clear in all translations.
Coming to verse 15, who is the audience? What themes do we find here? Consider what they might mean as far as you can.
Now have a look at my response
The Call of Four Disciples: 1,16-20
The first thing Jesus does in this Gospel is to call together a group of disciples. Luke by contrast places the call of the disciples after several incidents in Jesus' ministry (Luke 5,1-11). Consider what lies behind the different approach of the two evangelists.
See how the two stories (verses 16-18 and 19-20) are formed in the same way. Compare them with the call of Elisha (1 Kings 19,19-21). Who takes the initiative here? What is the response of the four men? One important word is used subtly differently in the two accounts. Can you spot it?
Mark speaks of the Sea of Galilee unlike Luke who (more correctly) speaks of the Lake of Gennesaret (Lk 5,1). Why might "sea" be an important word for Mark? (Clue: see 4,37)
Now have a look at my response
The Sunday Gospel
This passage, Mark 1,14-20, forms the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
We can note that verses 14 and 15 with the call to repentance are also read on the 1st Sunday of Lent as an addition to the Temptation story (1,12-13).
The Old Testament reading chosen to accompany this Gospel on this Sunday is from the prophet Jonah (3,1-5.10). It is helpful to read the whole story of Jonah which is not long. Do you think this is a good or appropriate choice? How well does it illustrate the Gospel?
Compare Jonah with the disciples called by Jesus.
Now have a look at my response.
We are now ready to move on to the two healings on the sabbath as Mark opens up his story.