The lion of St Mark

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

A CORNFIELD ON THE SABBATH: Mk 2,23-28

Plucking the Ears of Corn: 2,23-26

We begin by reading these verses and note how the episode unfolds in a way similar to 2,18-22 with a question followed by a response. The questioners though have changed; who are now directly confronting Jesus (see 2,16)?

Jesus and the Pharisees both refer to Scripture so we must look it up for ourselves. For "what is unlawful on the Sabbath" look at Dt 5,12-15 and Ex 31,14 but look also at Dt 23,25.

Jesus in reply refers to David. Look at the story in 1 Samuel 21,2-7 (and note also 1 Sam 22,20). Does this story fit the occasion in the Gospel? Why has the evangelist chosen to refer to it? There is some background later in the Gospel, see 12,35-40.

At this point a look at my response would be helpful before we move on to verses 27 and 28.

Two sayings: 2,27-28

How are the two sayings linked to the story of the disicples in the corn field?

In these two sayings, there is continuity with the past, as we have seen in the book of Deuteronomy. For the saying in verse 27, see Gen 1,26-33 and Ex 20,8-11.
But Jesus in verse 28 is also saying something new and controversial - what might that be? We looked earlier at the title Son of Man (2,10); here consider Dn 7,14.
Remember that we the readers of the Gospel have information about Jesus (1,1) not available to the characters in the story.

Now take a look at my response.

The Sunday Gospel

The last two incidents of the five episodes, Mk 2,23-3,6, are read together on the 9th Sunday of the Year. Have a think about why they have been put together.

The Old Testament reading for this Sunday is Deuteronomy 5,12-15 which we have seen. What do we call Dt 5,6-21? Look at the alternative version for this reading in Exodus 20,8-11. Why might the Deuteronomy be the better reading for this Sunday?

How well, then, does this reading from Deuteronomy accompany the Gospel?

Have a look now at my response.

We now continue into chapter 3 by taking our overview of the chapter. After this, we will have our reading of the fifth episode of the cycle, Mk 3,1-6.