Celtic Odyssey

Mark 1.9-15 (TIB; adapted): [1] It was then that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan River by John. 10 Immediately upon coming out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from the heavens: “You are my Beloved, my Own. On you my favor rests.” 12 Immediately the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness, 13 and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him. 14 After John’s arrest, Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the Good News of God: 15 “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Change your hearts and minds, and believe this Good News!” Other readings: Genesis 9.8-17; Psalm 25.1-10; 1 Peter 3.18-22 Gathering Prayer: God, you know better than we the temptations that will bring us down. Grant that our love for you may protect us from all foolish and corrupt desire. Praise to you our God; y

  Mark 9:2-9 (CEB; adapted): [1] Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my [Beloved], whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One had risen from the dead. Other Readings: 2 Kings 2.1-12; Psalm 50.1-6; 2 Corinthia

Mark 1.29-39 (TIB; adapted): [1] Upon leaving the synagogue, Jesus entered Simon’s and Andrew’s house with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told Jesus about her. 31 Jesus went over to her, took her by the hand and helped her up, and the fever left her. Then she went about her work. 32 After sunset, as evening drew on, they brought to Jesus all who were ill and possessed by demons. 33 Everyone in the town crowded around the door. 34 Jesus healed many who were sick with different diseases, and cast out many demons. But Jesus wouldn’t permit the demons to speak, because they knew who he was. 35 Rising early the next morning, Jesus went off to a lonely place in the desert and prayed there. 36 Simon and some companions managed to find Jesus 37 and said to him, “Everybody’s looking for you!” 38 Jesus said to them, “Let’s move on to the neighboring villages so that I may proclaim the Good News there also. That’s what I’ve come to do.” 39 So J