Here we focus on verses 1-21 as Jesus is bound and handed over to Pontius Pilate.

Pilate scourges Jesus and delivers him to be Crucified having first pardoned the murderer Barabbas.

Jesus is mocked and clothed in a purple cloak - a crown of twisted thorns pushed down onto his head. He is stripped, spat on and led out for crucifixion. Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.”

We learn, at the start of the chapter, that the chief priests and scribes are plotting to kill Jesus but are wary of doing so before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

A woman anoints Jesus with ointment of pure nard in Bethany and we learn that Judas, one of the twelve, will betray Jesus.

Jesus shares the Passover with his disciples in the upper room and institutes the Lord's Supper.

We end this podcast reading with Jesus foretelling Peter's denial:

"Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times."

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

He is then visited by the Pharisees and Herodians who test him by asking whether it's lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.

The Sadducees ask Jesus a question about the Resurrection before one of the scribes asks about the Great Commandment. Jesus teaches in the temple and warns of the behaviour of the scribes.

The chapter concludes with the account of the poor widow's offering. She gives two small copper coins - all she has.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit and, again, foretells his death and Resurrection.

The chapter ends with Jesus warning about the temptations to sin.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a deaf man.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.”

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

The chapter ends with Jesus calming a storm, He rebuked the wind and the sea saying, “Peace! Be still!”

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

We learn about the death of John the Baptist, beheaded by King Herod, before Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish.

After this, His disciples, struggling in the sea in a strong wind, stare in amazement as Jesus walks on water. When they make landfall at Gennesaret, Jesus heals many sick people.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.”

Then he tells the Pharisees who want to argue with him, that they will not be given the sign they demand.

Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida before Peter, when walking with Jesus around the villages of Caesarea Philippi, confesses Jesus as the Christ.

The chapter concludes with Jesus foretelling his Death and Resurrection.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

Jesus also tells the rich young man what he must do to inherit eternal life and foretells his death a third time.

James and John, Sons of Zebedee, ask to sit at Jesus’s left and right hand in glory but he explains it is not about raising them up above others. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant”.

The chapter concludes with the healing of the blind beggar Bartimaeus.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

The fig tree he earlier curses for bearing no fruit has withered.

The chapter finishes with the chief priests and the scribes challenging Jesus’s authority.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

Jesus talks about the coming of the Son of Man after first warning of the false christs and false prophets who will perform signs and wonders to try to lead the elect astray. Jesus makes it clear that nobody knows the day or hour when the Son of Man will come: “Stay awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come”.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. He is brought before the council and many stand and bare false witness against him.

Chapter Fourteen concludes with Peter denying Jesus as was foretold earlier in the day.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.” 

Darkness spreads over the whole land until the ninth hour when Jesus cries out: “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus breathes his last as the women who followed him to Jerusalem look on from a distance.

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, asks Pilate for the body of Jesus. He takes him down from the cross, wraps him in a linen shroud and lays him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Joseph rolls a large stone against the entrance.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.”

After the agony of Our Lord’s crucifixion and death, we conclude with Jesus’s glorious Resurrection.

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went at sunrise on the first day of the week to the tomb so that they might go and anoint Jesus.

But the stone was rolled back and a young man tells them not to be alarmed and that Jesus has risen. He sends them to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus has gone before them to Galilee.

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and two of the disciples who were walking in the country.

He then appears to the eleven themselves and issues the Great Commission.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

The disciples went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

About

Reading Mark in Advent is an 18-part podcast series that sees us upload a chapter of Mark’s Gospel each weekday of the season.

With a global pandemic sweeping the world and lockdowns and restrictions placed on our everyday living – not to mention patterns of worship and prayer – this is very much “the Word in Lockdown”.

But the Word of God is never locked down, isolated and contained. As Pope Francis says:

“The word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12); it does not die, nor does it age, but it remains for ever (cf. 1 Peter 1:25). It stays young in the presence of all that passes away (cf. Matthew 25:35) and preserves those who put it into practice from inner aging.”