Mark 1:9-15
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Wait. Waiting. Generally, these are not our favorite words.
Today’s Gospel starts out in full activity, like an action-packed movie blockbuster that we can practically see taking shape: there is a festive baptism down by the riverside, doves descend from on high, a voice from heaven is heard bestowing divine favor and proclaiming good news.
After this scene, we might expect all those around to join Jesus, jumping all-in to the triumphant journey that is sure to follow such a scene. But instead, we wait.
Jesus waits.
The Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness, and there is wandering, tempting, returning to live with the animals.
And the angels waited on him.
This week, our daily virtual faith formation will ask us to take a closer look at what it means to wait. How does waiting help us live into our sacred space? What are we waiting for? Who is waiting for us? How can waiting challenge us, and nourish us?
Wait. Hold this word today…and through this week…in your mind and in your heart.
Together, with Jesus, we wait…and in our waiting, we are learning to live more deeply into our sacred space.
Sacred Space 