Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8, verses 22-26
In a unique story that is only found in the Gospel of Mark (I believe), a blind man is brought to Jesus and asked to be healed.  What takes place is both humorous and poignant.  And it has something to say to you and I today as well.
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8, verses 14-21
Presumably on the same day that Jesus just fed the multitude with a handful of loaves of bread, the disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee w/ Jesus and are concerned because they forgot to bring any food with them.  Jesus, however, has something different on His mind: beware of the food that the Pharisees and followers of Herod are giving out.  Which menu do we order from?
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8, verses 11-13
On this Feast of Ss. Cyril & Methodius (ok, and St Valentine!), Jesus is confronted (I'm shocked!) by the Pharisees, demanding a sign from heaven to test Him.  This is immediately following Jesus's feeding of the 5,000 - so I'm not quite sure how they missed that one.  Their eyes are closed to what is all around them.  And while it's easy to chuckle from a distance, are we all that different?  
Ss. Cyril, Methodius and Valentine, pray for us.  

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, verses 31-37
We conclude Mark's seventh chapter with another encounter of a Gentile in Gentile Territory - this one blind with a speech impediment.  Jesus takes him off on his own...and only there is wholeness found.  My friends, there is truth there for us as well - and it relates to our baptism.Then I tell a story of our daughter Bridget (the same one who created the music for this podcast) in relation to this feast day: Our Lady of Lourdes
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, verses 24-30Today's Gospel is a real challenge.  Jesus tries to escape to non-Jewish territory but is met by a Gentile woman.  And in this interchange, Jesus treats her in a way that He treats no one else in all of the Gospels, at least to my recollection.  Is He testing her?  Is He tired and ornery?  Does He need to be opened?  I invite you into the enigma that this Gospel presents and to chew on the answer with me...St. Scholastica - pray for us
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, verses 14-23
Jesus turns His attention from the Pharisees and Scribes to the crowds and focuses on a single issue: how do we pollute the environment around us?  
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, verses 1-13
Some Pharisees and Scribes from Jerusalem come up to spend time with Jesus - and give him a hard time about how His disciples don't keep the traditions of the elders.  Jesus has no problem holding a mirror up to them and challenging them on their understanding of tradition.  With a Gospel like that, it's an appropriate time to talk about the Tradition of the Church vs. what traditions the church holds.  And what are the blessings and pitfalls of traditions?
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6, verses 53-56
Jesus draws closer to his home in Capernaum, where He is well known - and the crowds come out in droves to hear Him, bringing their sick to Him for healing.  And how does much of this healing happen?  Through touch.  We hear today in this Gospel reading of how we recognize Christ and of the importance of touch in our lives as well.
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6, verses 14-29
We step away from the story of Jesus to instead focus on Herod Antipas and John the Baptist.  It's a story we know well: adultery, speaking truth to power, dances and being trapped in our own promises.  So what does it have to teach us today?  Plenty.  Let's start w/ our own baggage.
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 6, verses 7-13
Jesus summons his friends and sends them out two by two on mission.  But prior to sending, he instructs them not to take too much along with them.  Trust in God.  Trust in the goodness of those to whom they will minister.  Trust in themselves.  And do so with a joyful heart, because that will be the witness as to how life can be approached differently.  There seems to be a message for us in there as well...
Original score written and performed by Bridget Zenk