Ordinary time begins with the first chapter of St. Mark which might be entitled “what a week with Jesus.” The gospel begins as the saying goes “in medias res,” right in the middle of the action. There is not an infancy narrative to set the scene but Jesus picks up the mantle of John the Baptist and begins preaching the immanent coming of the kingdom of God which he calls “gospel,” good news, which includes a call to repentance. In addition to his preaching ministry Jesus is depicted as teaching . He also drives out the evil spirits who are the enemies of humanity. The demon shouts, I who you are–the Holy One of God! which says knowing Jesus and following him are two different things.
