THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT

 

COMMENT FOR LENT 1 – 05-03-06

 

Genesis 9: 8-17

 
This ancient story has God so disgusted with the violence and corruption of these humans created in the divine image that all but an enlightened few were destroyed.  From now on there will be a covenant – the first of four- of continuing care which will take the enlightened few all the way to Gethsemane and the Resurrection.  But God’s promises are like the rainbows after the storms of our lives.
 
Psalm 25: 1-10
 
This Psalm uses the acrostic form where each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  Its unity comes from its search for truth and the spiritual; meanings of life.  The enemies are all those who are too busy for such questions.  They will put up with evasions and half truths whether in family, business or political life.
 
1 Peter 3: 18-22
 
This letter was written late in that first century as persecution began to occur.  So the writer points to the sufferings of Christ.  He argues that as a mortal human being, Jesus experienced the human fate of death.  But in his resurrection he demonstrates that God holds the ultimate power in this universe.  Therefore Christians should trust in that dynamic power and remain faithful in the face of suffering.
 
Mark 1: 9-15
 
Mark tells us that among all the people who responded to the ministry of John the Baptist there was a voice from Heaven identifying Jesus as the beloved Son of God.  So for Mark Jesus has this authority all through his ministry.  But first he had to fight an intense spiritual battle which Mark sees as necessary to give him the victory over all the powers of evil.
Now he can announce the Kingdom of God.

 

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