GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Jesus goes home: Mk 6,1-6a
Where are we told that Jesus goes in verse 1? See 1,9.24. What is said about the disciples? (Translations will vary but you may find a significant word in some).
Look back at 3,21 & 3,31-35. This sets the scene for the acceptability of Jesus to those who know him best.
Jesus' reputation may have preceeded him as, for example, 1,21-22. Three questions about Jesus then follow in verse 2. How can we assess the reaction of the villagers? How do we the readers of the Gospel already know the answer to these questions?
There is a change of atmosphere in verse 3, underscored by Jesus' response in verse 4. Two more questions follow about his origins. How are we to understand Jesus presented as "the carpenter, the son of Mary" and his brothers and sisters?
Look around the translations for the word that describes their reactions. See also 1st Peter 2,8.
"Prophet" is not an usual title for Jesus in this Gospel. Yet Jesus will share the fate of the prophets. See for example 1 Kings 19,2; 22,26-27. See above all the prophet Jeremiah, for example Jer 18,18 or 26,11.
Why in verses 5-6 is Jesus unable to do more than a few healings?
Now look at my response
The Mission of the Twelve: Mk 6,6b-13
We have seen that these verses are the opening segment of a sandwich which will conclude in verses 30. Note that Matthew relates this mission of the apostles elsewhere (Mt 10,1).
Read through the passage. In which verses is Jesus speaking? What comes before his words and what follows them?
How does the second half of verse 6 introduce the episode (see 1,38)?
In verse 7, Jesus summons the Twelve. Have a look back at their original commission (3,13-14). what is the effect of the third person "he" here?
What is the significance of two by two in verse 7 (Dt 17,6; 19,15)? On whose authority is Jesus acting (1,27)? The same reference may explain the limited commission in verse 7. However, see also verses 12 and 13.
Make a summary of verses 8 and 9. Two words will do.
In verses 10 and 11 Jesus speaks, giving instructions more informally. Welcome is part of traditional eastern hospitality. What is linked with it?
Finally, in verses 12 and 13, we have the evangelist's report on the mission. See Lk 9,6 and note what is special to Mark. For verse 12 look at 1,15 and 1,4. While verse 13 echoes Jesus' own ministry, anointing with oil is unusual in the New Testament (see James 5,14-15).
Have a look at my response
The Sunday Gospel
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gospel for the 14th Sunday is Mk 6,1-6, Jesus' visit to the home synagogue.
The Old Testament reading is taken from the prophet Ezekiel, Ezk 2,2-5. How well does it illustrate the Gospel? Is it a good choice?
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The sending out of the Twelve, Mk 6,7-13, is the Gospel for the 15th Sunday.
Note how the Gospel begins for the 16th Sunday. What is missing?
The Old Testament reading is Amos 7,12-15. How is this passage appropriate for the Gospel? Compare it with the previous Sunday's OT reading.
Now have a look at my response
We continue our reading with the fate of John the Baptist, 6,14-29.