Who was the targeted audience of the Gospel of Mark?
Gentile Christians facing persecution, perhaps under Emperor Nero in Rome.
What is a gentile?
A non-Jew
What is persecution?
Suffering or punishment, often for one’s faith
Who were Simon, Andrew, James and John?
Jesus’ disciples, fishermen
What did Jesus mean when he said ‘I will make you fish for people’?
The disciples would evangelise
What was Matthew the tax collector’s Jewish name?
Levi
Why was it surprising that Jesus chose Matthew to be his disciple?
Matthew was a tax collector - considered to be a sinner and marginalised in society
What is discipleship?
Following Jesus
What is the pattern of discipleship?
Jesus calls, forms and sends.
What did Jesus give the disciples authority to do when he ‘gave them authority over the unclean spirits’?
Authority to perform the sacrament of anointing of the sick - to anoint people with holy oil who were sick, either mentally or physically, and cured them.
How did the disciples show their lack of faith at the calming of the storm?
They were afraid that the storm would cause them to drown. They woke Jesus up because they were so afraid. Jesus calmed the storm and asked them ‘why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’
How did the disciples show their lack of faith at the feeding of the 4000?
The disciples watched Jesus multiply bread and fish to feed 4000 people, yet they were still worried that they did not have any bread in the boat. They failed to connect Jesus’ miracles to their own lives.
How did Peter fail Jesus?
He denied knowing Jesus 3 times because he was afraid of the consequences of being connected to an accused blasphemer. He later repented and was forgiven.
Who was the Syrophoenician woman?
A Gentile woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter. She recognised Jesus’ power and mercy.
What did the woman at Bethany do?
She anointed Jesus with expensive ointment, even though he was not sick. She knew he was going to die on the cross and was anointing him to prepare him for his death. This was an act of love and devotion.
Who were the first witnesses of the resurrection?
Women disciples. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
How did Mary Magdalene and the other Mary show bravery and courage?
They were at the crucifixion and went to anoint Jesus’ body in the tomb after his death, despite the danger of being linked to a ‘criminal’. They knew that if they were caught they would be in trouble, but they did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. The male disciples were in hiding at this time because they were afraid.
What is Holy Orders/Ordination?
The sacrament where men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops.
Who performs the sacrament of Holy Orders?
A bishop.
What are the three degrees of Holy Orders?
Deacon, priest, and bishop.
What is the role of a priest?
To celebrate sacraments and lead a parish, forgive sins and preach.
What is a vocation?
A personal calling from God to serve others.
Who are the laity?
Ordinary baptised Catholics
What is an ‘order’?
A group with a shared mission.
