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She begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. (Mk. 7:24-30) We continue our journey through Mark’s chapter. Here, Jesus questions the Jewish understanding of clean and unclean, categories applied to Gentiles. Jews would have referred to them as dogs, a verse that has resulted in much debate on Jesus’ use of the […]

All these evils come from within and they defile. (Mk. 7:14-23) Today’s Gospel is a continuation from yesterday.  Jesus wants to make it perfectly clear that what defiles one does not come from the outside or some failure to follow exactly the hundreds of customs that had developed in Judaism over the centuries.  To make

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition. (Mk. 7:1-13) Jesus and His apostles ate their meals unclean, according to tradition. The Pharisees were quick to judge them.  Jesus quickly pointed out that, on the contrary, the Pharisees were disregarding the heart of the law, replacing it with man-made laws and customs, giving the

They laid the sick in the marketplaces (Mk. 6:53-56) Mark often provides little detail in his accounts, yet this reading includes many significant elements. Jesus is recognized, the people scurry to bring the sick on straw mats, they hunt him down as he moves from village to village, they begged him to allow them to

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn. (Is. 58:7-10) The Israelites are feeling smug in their detailed observance of the law, yet the Lord is clear something more mental4d important is missing. Their practices have no impact on their hearts or in responding to the downtrodden among them.  Their actions are turned in

Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. (Mk. 6:30-34) The disciples have returned from an arduous missionary trip excited to share the news of the experience.  Jesus knows deluna4d they need a break, an opportunity to reflect on what had happened and to prepare for what was to come.  In

When Herod heard John speak, he was very much perplexed (Mk. 6:14-29) Today’s Gospel has three main themes: a conscience that has been silenced, a prophet whose bravery to deluna4d preach repentance will not be quiet, and ultimately a king who fails to do what his heart tells him so as not to lose face. 

“Take nothing for the journey” (Mk. 6:7-13) Jesus sends the twelve out two by two with special authority as his disciples. They are to travel lightly, not even taking a second tunic, food or money.  They would undertake this journey in complete confidence that God would take care of their needs. We are also sent

 “Where did this man get all this?” (Mk. 6:1-6) We often set parameters on what is expected of those we think we know so well. Jesus was no different.  He was so ordinary in Nazareth; he fixed their furniture, ate and drank with his family and friends, worshipped Yahweh in the temple and celebrated the