Published in 1981 - Volume 2 in The Passion Series by Donald Senior CP
Whether a coherent Passion story existed before the Gospel of Mark remains a point of contention among contemporary biblical scholars. While the exact shape of the Passion narrative before Mark's account is shrouded in mystery, it undoubtedly bore the imprint of early Christian experiences and historical memory.
This developing story, passed down through oral tradition and perhaps even written sources, served as a foundational element for Mark's Gospel. Recognizing the significance of this narrative, Mark felt empowered to retell and reinterpret the Passion for his specific audience and time. He understood that the suffering and death of Jesus were not merely events from the past, but a living reality for the early Christians facing their own trials and tribulations.
The Passion, as presented by Mark, became a source of both solace and hope, offering a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the ultimate triumph of God's love. This enduring message is precisely what continues to resonate with readers today, demonstrating the timeless relevance of the Passion story as a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Donald Senior, CP, (1940-2022), served as editor of The Bible Today and was president emeritus of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he was also professor of New Testament studies. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Louvain in Belgium and was the author of numerous books and articles on the New Testament. IN the fall of 2001 he was appointed to the Pontifical Biblical Commission by Pope John Paul II and reappointed in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
Publisher Michael Glazier
Published in 1981 - Volume 2 in The Passion Series by Donald Senior CP
Whether a coherent Passion story existed before the Gospel of Mark remains a point of contention among contemporary biblical scholars. While the exact shape of the Passion narrative before Mark's account is shrouded in mystery, it undoubtedly bore the imprint of early Christian experiences and historical memory.
This developing story, passed down through oral tradition and perhaps even written sources, served as a foundational element for Mark's Gospel. Recognizing the significance of this narrative, Mark felt empowered to retell and reinterpret the Passion for his specific audience and time. He understood that the suffering and death of Jesus were not merely events from the past, but a living reality for the early Christians facing their own trials and tribulations.
The Passion, as presented by Mark, became a source of both solace and hope, offering a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the ultimate triumph of God's love. This enduring message is precisely what continues to resonate with readers today, demonstrating the timeless relevance of the Passion story as a testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Donald Senior, CP, (1940-2022), served as editor of The Bible Today and was president emeritus of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he was also professor of New Testament studies. He received his doctoral degree from the University of Louvain in Belgium and was the author of numerous books and articles on the New Testament. IN the fall of 2001 he was appointed to the Pontifical Biblical Commission by Pope John Paul II and reappointed in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
Publisher Michael Glazier
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