Reflections
“Don’t tell anyone about this.”
The Gospel of Mark is famous for the secrecy in which Jesus cloaks his identity. Over and over again he performs some wondrous deed, but then enjoins the witness to keep quiet about what he or she has seen. Scholars have debated this running theme. Perhaps he wants to avoid the exact outcome described here: “that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town.” Perhaps he does not want to be dismissed or embraced as merely a “wonder worker.” Perhaps it is premature to disclose his Messianic identity until his disciples are able truly to understand what it means to be the Messiah. This is not a Messiah who comes in glory, but one who is going to suffer and die.Today is the feast of St. Anthony, one of the earliest of the desert fathers. Though St. Anthony went to great lengths of self denial, what impressed others was the “soul’s joy” that shone from his features. More important than recognition is to be recognized for the right reason.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019