Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 18, 2024

Date:   1st Sunday of Lent

Scripture Text:  Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today tells of Jesus’ post-baptism retreat into the desert. Unlike Matthew’s account, it gives few details of Satan’s temptations of Christ. This is followed immediately by the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on the heels of John the Baptist’s arrest. Jesus’ ministry begins with his proclamation of his mission: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I focus on the urgency of Jesus’ message to us all? Do I believe? Have I and am I repenting of my sins?

Praying:

Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, everywhere and always your desire for us to have a life and to love You and our sisters and brothers has marked our relationship with You. You are constant. You are faithful. You are trustworthy. You call to us to turn and to return to You and in our return to restore our relationship. Through the gifts and graces of the Spirit, may we be filled anew with urgency to turn and to return with all our heart. May we recall your love for us and your desires for us. Grant that we may use this Lenten journey to turn to You and to seek forgiveness for our sins and life in You, with You, and through You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.