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Now published in English for the first time, this profound, luminous meditation of Mark’s gospel by the monk Philemon of Gaza, leaves the confines of the monastery. Although fifteen centuries old, it speaks directly into the faith of today’s listener. As he continues in contemplative prayer, Philemon hears within himself the call of the gospel account, contemplates Jesus, adores the Trinity, but is constantly challenged by the failures of understanding and lack of faith in the disciples as though he was with them himself on the roads of Galilee or in the courts of the temple in Jerusalem.

Mark wrote his gospel for the Christian community in Rome which was suffering greatly; they had lost both Peter and Paul as well as many others due to the persecutions under Nero. The community was badly shaken in its faith by the passing of the first generation of believers, so Mark set out to console, comfort and encourage his listeners. He did so by setting forth the perfect humanity and the perfect divinity of Jesus in the midst of suffering, following everything he had received from Peter and from Paul.

Guerrilla Gospel: Reading the Bible for Liberation in the Power of the Spirit is a practical manual that condenses the outlines of God’s liberation movement. In this book, you will learn to identify and overcome common obstacles to stepping into active faith....

The Beautiful Gate is the site of the first healing Jesus’ disciples facilitated after Pentecost. Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth, disqualified and excluded outside the temple. In this prototype miracle, care for the poor and marginalized, respectful presence, relational connectedness, empowerment and holistic healing in Jesus’ name coalesce, freeing the man to move through the Gate, into the company of those who had previously excluded him. Once inside, the apostles offer prophetic challenge, calling people to confession, repentance, and conversion.

This meditation in Mark’s gospel by Daniel Bourguet is presented in two volumes which examine a number of episodes in Jesus’ life.