Seeking Truth Catholic Bible Study

In Part 2 of the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 14, Sharon Doran explores the possibility that the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus is the Virgin Mary. Drawing on Scripture, Church tradition, and imagery from the Song of Songs and Psalms, she reflects on Mary as priest, prophet, and queen mother who anoints Christ for burial and reveals the spiritual marriage between Mother and Son.

The episode weaves together the Last Supper, Judas's betrayal, the Eucharist, and Marian titles—inviting listeners to ponder Mary’s unique role in the passion narrative and how her example is remembered wherever the Gospel is proclaimed.

Sharon Doran studies Mark chapter 13 (the Olivet Discourse), tracing Jesus’ final teachings from the triumphal entry through Bethany and Bethphage, the raising of Lazarus, the cursed fig tree, and the corruption of the temple leadership.

She explains how these events lead into Jesus’ prophecy of the temple’s destruction and the signs of suffering — false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and famines — calling listeners to watchfulness and faith.

Sharon Doran explores Mark 13, explaining why Bethphage and the Sanhedrin mattered, the meaning behind the cursed fig tree and temple cleansing, and how Jesus’ Olivet discourse foretells persecution, false messiahs, and the destruction of the temple.

The episode connects Jesus’ warnings to historical fulfillments and practical application: stay vigilant against deception, rely on the Spirit in suffering, and endure in faith.

Sharon Doran explores Mark 13, showing how Jesus' warnings about the desolating sacrilege were fulfilled in history — from Antiochus IV and Caligula to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD — and what it means for Christians to watch, endure, and rely on the Holy Spirit.

Sharon Doran explores Mark chapter 12 (part 1), focusing on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the rich symbolism of the eastern gate. The episode traces connections from Mount Moriah and Abraham’s near-sacrifice to Jesus as the promised Lamb of God.

Sharon highlights Mary as the Eastern Gate and the House of Gold, explaining traditions about her Immaculate Conception, presentation in the temple, and role as the vessel through which God enters creation. The talk ties these biblical and patristic images to the Eucharist and the temple’s imagery.

In this episode Sharon Doran continues Mark chapter 12, weaving historical and theological insight into the eastern "Mercy" gate, the early life and temple presentation of Mary, and the church’s ancient imagery of the Ark and veil.

Sharon then unpacks Jesus’ parable of the tenants—identifying the vineyard, tenants, prophets, and the beloved son—showing how the imagery points to Israel, the prophets, Christ’s sacrificial crushing, and his role as the cornerstone.

The episode closes with Jesus’ clever replies to traps about taxes and the resurrection, exposing hypocrisy among the religious leaders and calling listeners to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.

Sharon Doran explores Mark 11, focusing on Jerusalem as Jesus’ destiny and ours — the journey to the heavenly Jerusalem. She connects the transfiguration, the disciples’ growing sight, the image of John the beloved, and the theme of “the Way” as the path of discipleship.

The episode also sets Mark 11 in its liturgical and biblical context: the triumphal entry from Bethany and Bethphage, symbolism of the east and the Mount of Olives, the temple as a type of God’s dwelling, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s final sacrifice and the new covenant.

In this episode Sharon Doran explores Mark 11: Jesus' triumphal entry, the cleansing of the temple, and how these events fulfill Old Testament prophecy about the east gate, the coming Messiah, and the true presence of God.

She connects the temple's destruction and restoration to Jesus as the new temple, explains the symbolism of the Mount of Olives and eastern orientation, and shows how the Eucharist and sacraments continue God’s promise of redemption for all nations.

Part 3 of Gospel of Mark, chapter 11: Sharon Doran unpacks Jesus’ dramatic cleansing of the temple, the cursing of the fig tree, and the prophetic fulfillment pointing to judgment and the coming of the true temple—Christ himself. She traces links to Old Testament prophecy and explains how the Church and the Eucharist fulfill the temple’s role for all nations.

Sharon closes with a pastoral call to repentance, forgiveness, and keeping our bodies and churches as holy temples ready to receive Christ and stand before judgment.

Sharon Doran explores Mark chapter 10, unpacking Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce as a covenant, the blessing of children, and the challenge posed by the rich young man. She emphasizes Christ’s loving gaze, the call to childlike trust, and the need to prioritize the eternal over earthly attachments. The episode points listeners to the Eucharist, Ignatian spiritual insights, and the transforming power of God’s grace.