In the Wilderness – Reflection on Mark 1:1-8
Before appearing from “in the wilderness,” John the Baptist was preparing himself physically and spiritually for his ministry. He used his time of austerity and silence to discern what God had to say and what he would need to do and be. We can do the same by taking the time for silence in our “small desert,” which could be deep in a forest or a crowded city sidewalk like Thomas Merton. Doing so allows God’s call to surface and warm our hearts so we can proclaim the Good News uniquely. Do those who know you resonate with the ways you are a Christian, one of which is silence to gather spiritual insights? Proclaiming can range from being an awesome parent, caring for a stranger, or at an extreme, allowing the Spirit to guide you in front of an audience. At whatever point on the continuum God has for you, it is necessary to repeatedly be in the wilderness of silence of deep prayer. Silent preparation helps with discerning, continuing, and excelling in your ministry all the while being humble.
Saint John the Baptist Sees Jesus from Afar by James Tissot.
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 1:1-8 – Scripture*
The Proclamation of John the Baptist
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 1:1-8 Reflection – In the Wilderness.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.