Guide to this Experience

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

Reflections: Mark 16:6-7 preferably from The Message.

• How would your life change if you could believe and follow these two verses?
• How do these verses impact our present experience of Jesus?
• What does this tell you about your relationship with God?
• What does this tell you about your relationship with others?

Spiritual Exercise: Holy Listening found in the Pathways Journey Guidebook.

This Weeks’ Examen of Consciousness: Mark 16: The Shorter Ending of Mark (NIV)

And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

Mark opens his Gospel with Jesus’ proclamation from Isaiah 61:1-2 & 58:6. This section opens with a story anchored in the Old Testament as well. At least the Old Testament to us! Isaiah is known simply as a prophet; one who told about the coming Messiah.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:7 NIV).

Matthew gives us Jesus’ lineage which is from Abraham to David then from David to Jesus (1:1-17). Just as at Jesus’ birth we saw prophecy from the Old Testament fulfilled, as Jesus moves toward the cross we will see prophecy fulfilled.

Reflections: Mark 10:35-52. The disciples are vying for position. Bartimaeus is blind but sees Jesus for who he is.
Continue this week’s study…

Ignatian Contemplative Prayer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:53 — 5.4MB)

• Mark 9:33-37 

Reflections:  

• What is your experience during this prayer?
• Who were you?
• What is being said about purpose?
• What is being said about position? Social status, economic status, religious status, worldview?

Continue this week’s study…

Ignatian Contemplative Prayer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:03 — 4.6MB)

• Mark: 8:22-26 Healing of the Blind Man

Reflections:

• What was your experience in this story?
• How might the disciples be like the blind man?

Continue this week’s study…

Reflections: Mark 6:6b-13. The disciples are to trust in God’s care which is in part given through the other member of the pair. Relationships bring healing and salvation (Read the story of the paralyzed man and his friends in Mark 2:1-12). It is in relationships that we learn and find encouragement. Friendships can encourage us when we reach out and discuss our spiritual journey. Such conversations help us to sort out what we know about ourselves and what we know about God.
Continue this week’s study…

These parables are confusing from the American perspective of bigger is better. They talk about small things that bring big results.²   Seeds are small but can be the beginning of something large and fruitful.

Reflections: Mark 4:21-25. Jesus has just explained the parable of the sower to the disciples and then talks about a lamp.
Continue this week’s study…

Spiritual Exercise of Simplicity:
There is a simplicity of being still; sitting down and being quiet in the middle of chaos is the way to regain your composure and strengthen your heart. How quiet is your soul? Your soul is your mind and emotions; if you’re like most people your soul is running all over the place! Maybe you’ve mastered the art of sitting down physically and even appearing to be quiet. But on the inside, your soul is charging ahead — making plans and thinking about everything that has to be done.¹

• Are the stressors of life jerking you around, leaving you agitated and jumpy?

Continue this week’s study…

Ignatian Contemplative Prayer:
 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:07 — 6.5MB)

• Mark 2:1-12

Reflections:  Think about the people who have guided you as you have been formed in faith.  These people are part of the communion of saints!  Those who may have cared for you mind, body, and soul in our journey with God both past, present, and into the future.  Clearly remember one person and a situation where they guided you.  If you are meeting in a small group break-out into groups of 2-3 and share this incident.  If you are engaging this experience alone, write about this experience.

Continue this week’s study…

Ignatian Contemplative Prayer:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:16 — 6.7MB)

• Mark 1:16-20
• Mark 2:13-14
• Mark 3:13-19

Reflections:  The calling of Simon, Andrew, James, John, & Matthew (Mark 1:16-20 & 2:14) and the appointment of the twelve in the Gospel of Mark (3:13-19).

Continue this week’s study…