This Sunday we begin the Season of Advent and a new Liturgical Year. This year our readings will come from the Gospel of Mark. Let's take a minute to look at both of these.
The Gospel of Mark is one of four gospels in the Holy Bible and is the second book in chronological order presented in the New Testament. Mark (John Mark was his full name) was an associate with Simon Peter, one of the 12 apostles that followed Jesus Christ throughout His public ministry on earth. Peter was the name given to Simon by Jesus Christ personally (Mark 3:16). He was very close to Jesus and after the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, Peter was one of the founders of the early Christian church. Although the book was written by Mark, the facts contained in it are thought to be the accounts of Peter during his ministry with Jesus. The consensus among scholars is that the book of Mark was written between 50 and 60 A.D. The author is referenced several times in the New Testament starting in the book of Acts, chapters 12 and 13, in Colossians 4:10, and finally in 2 Timothy 4:11. The book of Mark was probably written in Italy, and perhaps even Rome. This book has 16 chapters and is the shortest book of the four gospels. However, the details of the events and miracles of Jesus in this book are consistent with the other three gospels; Matthew, Luke and John.
The Season of Advent has a two fold nature: it prepares us for Christmas when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to His second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation.
Like many Church practices, the origin of Advent is clouded by the passage of time. However, most research indicates that it began as a penitential season in preparation for the Epiphany. The word “advent” comes from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming”. One old tradition states that there are four weeks in Advent because there are four comings of Christ - as a man at Bethlehem, in the human heart, at our death and at the Last Day.
Beginning and end, memory and hope, life is a continuing cycle. This is the message of Advent - the continuing possibility of renewal, of building our lives. Renewing and improving ourselves makes a tremendous Christmas present for loved one and ourselves.
May the start of this new Season and Liturgical Year be one of blessing for us all.