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From the Paraclete by Vonnie Spicer: The shadow of the Cross

This is year C in the Church’s lectionary, so the Sunday Gospels are taken from Luke. There are, however, reasons to make at least a brief study of Mark’s Gospel during Lent. Mark speaks to catechumens seeking baptism at Easter, to those struggling with faith, and those enduring suffering.

In The Beginning of the Gospel: Introducing the Gospel of Mark, Volume 1 (Liturgical Press, 1999), Eugene LaVerdiere agrees with Frank Matera’s assessment of Mark as a baptismal catechesis. In What Are They Saying About Mark? (Paulist Press, 1987) Matera suggests it was read at the Easter vigil to catechumens preparing for baptism on Easter morning. LaVerdiere goes on to credit Mark with “introducing the theme of the desert . . . a symbolic place associated with repentance, . . . fasting, prayer, solitude, and rest.”

It reminds the catechumens of the sacrifice inherent in baptism and the testing that will follow.

Mark portrays Jesus’ disciples as well-meaning but obtuse people who desert Jesus at his arrest. For those of us struggling with discipleship, believing, and understanding the message and person of Jesus, Mark provides hope and encouragement. LaVerdiere explains that Mark writes for people who “could see themselves mirrored in the life of the disciples with all their hopes, struggles, and failures.”

Matera and others have described Mark’s Gospel as a Passion narrative with an extended introduction. In an article found in the Collegeville Bible Commentary (Prentice Hall, 1999) Marie Noonan Sabin calls it the Gospel of the Cross. Donald Senior, in The Passion of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (Liturgical Press, 1991), explains how the entire span of Jesus’ ministry lies in the shadow of the cross. Mark’s Jesus is the suffering servant of Isaiah. Suffering is an integral part of ministry and of the Christian journey. Our suffering unites us with the Suffering Servant of God.

The Paraclete offers excellent resources for the study of Mark’s Gospel: commentaries, introductory volumes, and guided reflections. Let Mark remind you of the cost of baptism, answer your doubts, and give meaning to suffering.

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