MARK 1:12-13 Jesus faces the same ordeal that Adam and Israel endured in the OT (CCC 538-540). He is thus tempted by Satan among the wild beasts, as the first Adam was tempted amid the beasts in paradise. He likewise retraces the steps of Israel, being led into the wilderness by the Spirit and tested [...]

MARK 1:9-11 I’m so used to reading these passages and accepting them as matter of fact when, of course, there is nothing matter of fact about them. The “simple” fact of Jesus’ baptism carries a wealth of information that affects us deeply, as we can see. This not only helps me understand the great power [...]

MARK 1:4 Repentance Metanoia (Gk): literally a “change of mind”. The word is used 22 times in the New Testament for a conversion of one’s entire life to the Lord. Based on similar OT concepts, it involves a twofold movement of the heart: one who repents turns away from sin (1 Kings 8:35; Ezek 18:30) [...]