In today’s reading Jesus and his disciples observe the actions of the Jewish leaders and pilgrims at the Temple in Jerusalem. The leaders are seeking the attention and respect of the crowds. Jesus warns his disciples against this behavior.

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Today’s Gospel skips over Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and much of his interactions with Jewish authorities. If we were to read through those sections we would witness Jesus face test after test, each put forth by the Jewish authorities. We also would have seen the cleansing of the temple. The section we read from today follows these events.

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For today’s reflection, we will continue reading from Mark’s Gospel. While our previous readings chronicled moments of learning for the disciples, today’s Gospel focuses on moments of learning for the crowds.

The reading begins as Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem. Among the crowds that follow him is a blind man. Believing in Jesus as the Messiah, the man urgently calls out to him. At first, the crowd tries to silence him and keep him from reaching Jesus. But to the crowd’s surprise, Jesus tells them to call the man forward.

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If we think back to our last few readings—all from the Book of Mark—we can point to specific lessons Jesus has instilled in his disciples. Last week, Jesus sought to reveal the importance of making sacrifices for the good of others. This week, Jesus’ lesson is similar.

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For today’s reflection, we will continue reading from the Gospel of Mark. Following the events that took place in last week’s passage, a wealthy man approaches Jesus.

The man is a believer in Jesus and asks how he can achieve eternal life. Jesus tells the man he must adhere to the Law of Moses, to which the man explains that he has followed the Law since he was a child.

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Over the past few weeks, our Gospel readings have focused on Jesus’ private conversations with his disciples. In this week’s reading, Jesus returns to teach the crowds in Judea.

While speaking with the crowds, a group of Jewish leaders question him about marriage. Jesus praises the bond between a husband and wife as not one flesh but two.

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In last week’s reading, Jesus teaches his disciples the true meaning of greatness. In the passage we read from today, Jesus teaches his disciples the true meaning of service.

John and the disciples encountered someone healing the sick in the name of Jesus. Knowing that this healer was not a follower, the disciples tried to prevent him from healing. They then reported what happened to Jesus.

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In today’s Gospel, Jesus and his disciples arrive in Capernaum, where Jesus reminds them of his prediction. If we think back to last week’s reading, we’ll remember that Peter was outspoken against it. But here, the disciples remain quiet.

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In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples a very simple question. But their response goes on to reveal the very foundation of our faith.

Jesus asks his disciples who they believe he is. Peter, who speaks on behalf of all the disciples, says, “You are the Messiah.”

Knowing that his disciples understand him as Christ, Jesus reveals the meaning of his ministry and his fate.

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For today’s reading, we continue in Mark’s Gospel. While last week we witnessed Jesus interact with traditional Jewish leaders, today’s verses report Jesus’ interaction with gentiles and, most significantly, how quickly word of his actions spread.

After Jesus arrives in the district of Decapolis, a crowd of gentiles brings him a deaf man, who also suffers from a speech impediment.

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