Mark points out the cultural significances of the meeting between Jesus and the woman at the well, as described in today's New Testament reading..

Mark relates the art of Chiaroscuro, (light and dark), to today's reading of John 3 v 1-17, that tells of Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus.

In the first part Mark talks of the history around the creation of the English translations of the bible. In the second part he addresses the differences between our modern interpretations of time and the more flexible meanings to the phrases often seen in the bible. .

Mark discusses the different views of Transfiguration.

Mark describes how the reference to Salt would have had deeper significance in biblical times.

Mark expands on Makarios - Blessed,  and the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Mark talks of how Jesus collected his disciples.

Ginnie highlights the additional features of a painting of John the Baptist.

Margaret introduces slides and music, and then explores the themes of the psalm.

Psalm 29
A psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendour of his[a] holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
    the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
    Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
    with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
    the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks[c]
    and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, ‘Glory!’

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King for ever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

God speaks to all.