2. Fix our gaze upon Jesus, who will guide us by the WAY of FAITH and lead us to fullness (Heb 12:2) 1- Year of FAITH 2012-2013 Nuns of Sant Benet de Montserrat

3. The gaze fixed upon Jesus of the GOSPEL OF MARK

4. The Theology of Mark is the closest to Jesus, that of John is the latest and elaborate one. The historical Jesus does not say outright that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, He lets his followers identify Him GOSPEL OF MARK A THEOLOGICAL Gospel

5. 1- The MESSIAH, “the Anointed”, to save mankind, is the subject of the 1st part of the Gospel of Mark. 2- The title of SON OF GOD, tells us that Jesus is who brings God into the world; 2nd part of the Gospel. Title of the GOSPEL “Gospel of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God” Mk 1:1

6. 1st PART - Christological statements: - The Father proclaims that he is the Son (Baptism) - The demons confess it (Holy, Son) - People are asking (1:27; 2:7; 4:41; 8:18; 8:21) IN THE CENTER: Peter recognizes Him MESSIAH (1st title) 2nd PART - Christological statements: - The Father calls Him Son (Transfiguration) - Jesus says that He will be a crucified Messiah -Jesus confesses that He is the Messiah-Son (14:62 Passion) - END: On the Cross, the centurion confesses Him SON OF GOD (2nd title) THEOLOGY OF MARK Mark makes theology in the very structure of the book, putting the "titles" of Jesus in high places

7. Introduction Mk 1:2-13: - John the Baptist prepares the way - The Father calls Him Son - Satan tempts Him 1st PART OF THE GOSPEL Mk 1:2 – 8:26

8. Introduction: Mk 1:2-8 John prepares the way 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. 3 A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” 4 John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 6 John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. 7 And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”

9. John the Baptist prepares the way John the Baptist is the last prophet of the Old Testament, so that the work of John remains summarized in a text of Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” Open new ways, the ways of the GOSPEL

10. In the desert, John baptizes to help EVERYONE to start the new way John preaches a baptism of CONVERSION, and announces that behind him comes THE STRONGEST ONE, that will baptize with the HOLY SPIRIT Desert, detachment and fullness Jesus, the Mighty, will baptize you with the Holy SPIRIT

11. When Jesus is baptized, the Spirit descends, and a Voice (Father) calls Him SON, CHOSEN 9 It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. 11 And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Continued) Introduction: Mk 1:9-11

12. BAPTISM OF JESUS The SON The BELOVED The gaze fixed upon Jesus The VOICE Do not click

13. BAPTISM OF JESUS The SINLESS THE INNOCENT The gaze fixed upon Him Do not click

14. BAPTISM OF JESUS He has ALL the COMPLACENCY of God the FATHER He deserves that we find in Him all our COMPLACENCY The gaze fixed upon Do not click

15. The SPIRIT pushes Jesus into the wilderness to be TEMPTED 12 At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, 13 and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. (Continued) Introduction: Mk 1:12-13

16. Jesus spends forty days in the DESERT As Noah, in the Ark, waiting for the Great Flood to end, to start the New Life (Gen 7:4) As the people walking through the desert before entering the Promised Land (Ex 16:35) As Moses, in the cloud, before writing the Tables of the Law (Exodus 24:18) As Caleb and the explorers, preparing themselves to conquer the New Land (Num 13:25) Like Ezekiel when carried for forty days with the sin of Israel (Ez 4:6) As Judith, before saving the city of Bethulia (Jd 7:20)

17. Jesus TEMPTED by SATAN Begins the adventure of someone LIVING without sin He is the new Adam who overcomes temptation

18. He does not ever never worship the GOLDEN CALF Jesus, TEMPTED by SATAN Begins the adventure of a new PEOPLE without idols

19. Jesus is TEMPTED like US But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (Jm 1:14) No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13)

20. WE BELIEVE in the Jesus of the Gospel of Mark -Lord, Jesus, we believe that John the Baptist we believe is a model for us today continue preparing you the ways. - Lord, Jesus, we believe that in the Baptism, you baptized us with the Holy Spirit.. -Lord, Jesus, we believe that you are the beloved SON of the Father, and so we love you so much. - Lord Jesus, we believe that you are good and innocent, never having fallen into any temptation.

21. END Will continue stbenet@benedictinescat.com www.benedictinescat.com