The Gospel of Mark
Mother Virginia will lead an Adult Forum Series based on the Gospel of Mark. This Gospel stresses the deeds, strength, and determination of Jesus in overcoming evil forces and defying imperial Rome's power. Mark also emphasizes the Passion, predicting it as early as chapter 8 and devoting the final third of his Gospel to the last week of Jesus' life.
This liturgical year (Advent to Advent) the focus of our gospel readings every Sunday will be from the Gospel according to Mark
But why should we bother to study Mark?
Do we really know who Mark was; and why did he write his Gospel in the first place?
Why is Mark called the ‘primary’ Gospel and what is its influence on the other Gospels?
Why was Mark in such a hurry to write his Gospel down and what was his focus?
What was happening in the world all around him; and to his Christian Community in particular?
What part of Mark’s Gospel is considered to be the “lynch pin” of the entire New Testament?
These questions and more will be addressed in our Thursday classes on Mark. We hope you will join us, because it just may change your perspective; in terms of the importance of the Gospel of Mark!
The class, beginning January 7, will be held each Thursday at 1 p.m. via Zoom. It is also recorded to you may watch online if another time is more convenient for you.
The Gospel of Mark January 7 Handouts
Request a Zoom link here
Do you want to expand your study of Mark?
Visio Divina
Invite Welcome Connect has partnered with the Good Book Club by offering beloved and enduring images from Christian art, culture and religious works from around the world. Related themes and selected verses from each daily reading of the Gospel of Mark are being shared via the Invite Welcome Connect.
Visio Divina has four steps:
1. Read the text (in this case art) slowly, taking a first glance noting the colors, people, places, and things. Remain with the image for one to two minutes. If you would like, jot down a few words about the image.
2. Take a second, deeper, look. Where is there movement? What relationships do you see? Engage your imagination. Where are you in the artwork? What do you see from that perspective? What deeper meaning emerges?
3. Respond to the image with prayer. Did the image remind you of an experience, person, or issue for which you’d like to offer thanksgiving or intercession? Offer that prayer to God.
4. Find your quiet center. Breathe deeply. Relax your shoulders, arms, and legs. Rest in this quiet. Let God pray in you. God prays beyond words.
Think of Visio Divina like this–putting on God-glasses to see how an image illuminates Christ for you."
Each day our art pieces will be posted on our website . Our posts will include the link to this page where you can review the four steps using the piece of art.
Join Visio Divina Here
