This is a short text based on lectures given by Rowan Williams in 2014. They took the 4 lectures and provided this text for our edification. The Archbishop takes us on a short tour of the Gospel of Mark with an emphasis on the season of Lent. He wants us to see the Gospel in a new and different way but focusing on the theme of the book and the stunning conclusion it comes to with Holy Week, the death of Christ and the resurrection. As a scholar and translator he gives us his look at the text and where he believes at times we have been a bit short sighted in understanding Mark's intent in the manner in which he presents his material on Jesus.
The book is short, but that doesn't mean it doesn't contain nuggets of truth. There is an introductory chapter on Mark and then three short chapters on the text itself with an emphasis on Lent.
At the end of the book there are Reflection Questions for small group discussion. These are well written and thought out and should provide a reading / study group with plenty of guidance in discussing the material that the Archbishop treats us to.
After that there is a "Lenten Reading Guide" which will take you through seven weeks of readings as well as some devotional reflection thoughts (very short) for that week. It is a good guide and one that you should fine helpful as it takes you through the Gospel of Mark in that seven week period through reading short sections of the scripture.
While Rowan Williams writes on a Theological / Scholarly level for his livelihood you will find this text very clearly written and not above the head of the layperson who wants to learn more about Mark and the Season of Lent.
I think this would be a great guide book for any small group. I also think it will give you much to ponder as you read.
Chapter 2 of the text is my favorite. One of the points that Williams makes is that Mark's writing has been criticized at times for making the Disciples look a bit stupid, mainly because they can't seem to understand Christ's teaching. Let me quote a small section for you;
"It's many times been remarked that the disciples in St. Mark are conspicuously stupid. . . . and there have been some scholars who have suggested that St. Mark is deliberately trying to undermine the authority of those who consider themselves successors of the twelve apostles. BUT, I think that misses the point: because it is absolutely vital to Mark's story that what Jesus says is hard to digest and to understand even by those closet to him. Even those who have most reason for understanding what he's saying are going to get it wrong: and that, of course, is a reassurance to the reader. Mark is saying, 'if you're riding this difficult or shocking, don't be surprised; those who were closest to Jesus found it difficult and shocking too. If you feel stupid and at a loss when confronted with the words and work of Jesus don't be surprised. You're not the first and you won't be the last.' So the dimness of the apostles is not a point of polemic, an axe being ground: it's basic to the scheme."
I found that concept refreshing and enjoyed the way Archbishop Williams brought it to life in his text. There are many other things that I found intriguing and I believe you will as well.
I hope you enjoy this simple short read.
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