SermonStudio
Desert and devils, diversions and dangers in the Christian calling
Prayer
Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Cycle B
Gospel Note:
Of particular interest in Mark's very succinct version of
Jesus' desert temptation is the literary "hinge" between it and
the divine pronouncement of Sonship at Jesus' baptism that
precedes it; for the idea that one blessed with heavenly approval
might be "driven" at once by God's Spirit into a wilderness (or
desert) inhabited by a tempting Satan and wild beasts (and some
helpful angels, to be sure) might well shatter any notion that
the Christian calling is an easy path.
Liturgical Color:
Purple
Of particular interest in Mark's very succinct version of
Jesus' desert temptation is the literary "hinge" between it and
the divine pronouncement of Sonship at Jesus' baptism that
precedes it; for the idea that one blessed with heavenly approval
might be "driven" at once by God's Spirit into a wilderness (or
desert) inhabited by a tempting Satan and wild beasts (and some
helpful angels, to be sure) might well shatter any notion that
the Christian calling is an easy path.
Liturgical Color:
Purple

