Tag: Gospel of Mark

Posted on

The Courage of John the Baptist

Photo of snail and begonias speaking the couplet, "The Courage of John the Baptist."
“The Courage of John the Baptist”
A reflection on Mark 6:18
Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 Gloria M. Chang

The courage of John the Baptist boldly confronted Herod’s sin, choosing truth over life itself.

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others

… Read the rest
Posted on

The Shepherd’s Staff

Photo of snail and peonies speaking the tercet, "The Shepherd's Staff."
“The Shepherd’s Staff”
A reflection on Mark 6:8; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:4
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 Gloria M. Chang

The shepherd’s staff: apostles sent with authority, yet empty-handed, guided by Christ’s rod alone.

And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

… Read the rest
Posted on

Nothing New in Nazareth

Nothing New in Nazareth, Shalom Snail
“Nothing New in Nazareth”
A reflection on Mark 6:1-6
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©2023 Gloria M. Chang

In Nazareth, familiarity bred contempt—nothing new in Nazareth.

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.

… Read the rest
Posted on

Jairus, Do Not Grieve

Photo of snail and iris speaking the couplet, "Jairus, Do Not Grieve."
“Jairus, Do Not Grieve”
Mark 5:36 “in a snailshell”
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 Gloria M. Chang

Jairus, do not grieve—Jesus stands beside you, turning mourning into miracle.

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One

… Read the rest
Posted on

Mysteries of Light

Photo of snail and leaf on a tree speaking the couplet about mysteries of light.
“Mysteries of Light”
A reflection on Mark 4:21-23
Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 Gloria M. Chang

The mysteries of light burst forth—hidden kingdom secrets now blaze openly through fearless disciples of Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For

… Read the rest
Posted on

Kinship With Christ

Photo of snail and rose speaking the couplet about kinship with Christ.
“Kinship With Christ”
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
A reflection on Mark 3:31-35
©2023 Gloria M. Chang

Kinship with Christ transcends blood: whoever does God’s will becomes his mother, brother, sister. 

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house.

… Read the rest
Posted on

Christ Binds the Strong Man

Photo of snail and tulips speaking the couplet, "Christ Binds the Strong Man."
“Christ Binds the Strong Man”
A reflection on Mark 3:22-30
Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
©2022 Gloria M. Chang

Christ binds the strong man, breaking Satan’s hold to plunder his house and free God’s children.

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

… Read the rest
Posted on

Holy Preachers

Photo of snail and pansies speaking the Shalom Snail couplet about holy preachers from Mark 3:11-19.
“Holy Preachers”
A reflection on Mark 3:11-19
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
©️2022 Gloria M. Chang

Holy preachers, filled with the Holy Spirit, alone can truly proclaim “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

And whenever unclean spirits saw Jesus they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He

… Read the rest