Discovering Mark, the Evangelist of Ordinary Time

Do you know more about Jesus, than you know him, yourself? Who Jesus Christ is and why it matters is at the heart of Mark’s Gospel, which is highlighted in the liturgy this year. In this episode, Sarah and Colleen Vermeulen talk about their favorite parts of Mark as they highlight its unique features and invite listeners to consider their response to his good news.

Colleen Reiss Vermeulen is executive director and an instructor at the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan (CBSM). She wrote several book introductions and reflections for the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible. Learn more or contact her at cbsmich.org or practicalevangelization.wordpress.com.

Take Colleen’s Favorite Scripture from Mark's Gospel to Your Next Holy Hour

Pray: Come, Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to hear your word today.

Read the Word: Mark 10:46–52

(Read it in your own Bible to get the context, and so you can make notes)

And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.  And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.”  And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus.  And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Ponder the Word: Read several times, lingering where it touches your heart. What catches your attention? What do you hear the Lord saying to you?

Pray with the Word: Bring to the Lord what you have heard, and talk to him about it. Ask for his grace. Thank him for his loving care.

Live the Word: How does what you read touch your life? What can you do this week to put it into practice?