The Gospel of Mark and Discipleship The Yr B Synoptic Gospel for Catechists Ann Maree Whenman

The proclamation, transmission and lived experience of the Gospel are realised in the particular Church or Diocese. The particular Church is constituted by the community of Christ’s disciples, who live incarnated in a definite socio-cultural space.

(GDC, Congregation for the Clergy, 1997, #217)

Catechist as Disciple

A disciple is a follower and a learner – an apprentice. The disciple’s role is an active one – learning by watching, listening, doing and redoing. (Dunlap, 2001, p. 13) Church documents compare the catechist’s role with that of a disciple. As disciples, they are involved in “an apprenticeship of the entire Christian life… which promotes an authentic following of Christ” (GDC, Congregation for the Clergy, 1997, #67) . Catechists are encouraged to reflect on that comparison by drawing inspiration from Scripture, particularly the Gospels.

The Gospel of Mark and the Catechist

For the catechist in this Liturgical Cycle (Year B), a reflection on Mark’s Gospel can lead to a deeper understanding and commitment to their role as disciples of Jesus in the 21 st century. The Gospel of Mark is a story written with the intention to change people. Meyers et al (1996) describe it as “a first century CE manifesto of radical Christian discipleship” (p xi).

Reilly (1992) names two key factors in Mark’s Gospel. The first is the identity of Jesus and the second, the response of the disciples: “Who is Jesus? What is the response to him?” (p.29)

The call to discipleship and the consequence of such a call are recurrent themes within the Gospel. Meyer et al (1996) and Reilly (1992) identify three peak moments:

• Call of the disciples - Mk 1:1-20
• Formation of the disciples - Mk 8:22 - 9:1 and
• The challenge of discipleship - Mk 15:47 - 16:8

Through reflection on these passages of Mark the catechist can begin to understand their call, formation and the challenges they face on their pathway of discipleship within the community of Christ’s disciples.

Call of the Disciples - Mk 1:1-20

In the prologue (Mk 1:1-15) the expectation for Jesus’ ministry is established. The prophecy of Isaiah and the stories of John the Baptist, the Baptism of Jesus and the protection of the angels in the wilderness rapidly build that expectation. The first people called by Jesus are fishermen (Mk 1:16-20) – the reader is invited to reflect the unlikely possibility of their own call to discipleship. In the response of Simon, Andrew, James and John, as they abandon their trade for a new vocation, we are introduced to the radical possibilities of discipleship and an initial insight into its consequences.

Catechists have been called to be with Jesus and to share his mission.

Formation of Disciples - Mk 8:22 - 9:1

This section of Mark’s Gospel begins with Jesus questioning his disciples “Who do people say I am?” (Mk 8:28). What follows are three cycles as Jesus and his disciples journey from Palestine to the outskirts of Jerusalem – Mk 8:22 - 9:30; 9:31 - 10:32; and 10:33 - 10:52 which Meyers et al (1996) describe as “school of the road”. Each begins with a passion prophecy (Reilly, 1992) which is not understood by those present. The second call to discipleship is for a radical turning from self-centredness to God-centredness. Each cycle has a catechetical character. The teaching of Jesus that follows in each cycle focuses on ‘metanoia’, the personal conversion necessary for discipleship.

Catechesis is about ongoing conversion. The second call to discipleship in Mark’s Gospel demands a conversion that involves a commitment to think like Jesus, to judge like Jesus and to live as Jesus lived (GDC, #53).

The Challenge of Discipleship - Mk 15:47 - 16:8

The third call to discipleship lies in the reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The women find the tomb empty except for a young man dressed in white. The third call embodies the challenge of discipleship:

“ . . go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mk 16:7)

The consequences of following Jesus are now well known by the disciples. They are at the threshold of a new cycle of discipleship that begins on their return to Galilee – where they were first called to follow (Mk 1:17). Mark’s narrative is circular (Meyers, 1996, p 208). It is now time for the disciples to proclaim the good news of God and face the challenges that this will involve.

For the catechist an ongoing commitment to the faith formation of the children they teach presents many challenges. At the start of each year we begin a new cycle of teaching, learning and faith sharing. We are continually renewed in our call to discipleship through learning by watching, listening, doing and re-doing.

As the Liturgical Year progresses we will hear Mark’s narrative unfold in the Weekday and Sunday Lectionary. Take time to listen to the Gospel and allow it to speak to you as you listen with the heart of a catechist – a follower of Jesus.

References

Dunlap, J. (2001). Practical Catechesis: Visions and tasks for catechetical Leaders. Sydney: HarperCollinsReligious.

Congregation for the Clergy. (1997). General directory for catechesis (Australian ed.). Sydney: St Paul’s Publications.

Meyers, C., Dennis, M., Nangle, J., Moe-Lobeda, C., & Taylor, S. (1996). "Say to this mountain": Mark's story of discipleship. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis.

Reilly, J. (1992). Praying Mark. Strathfield: St Paul Publications.