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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Genesis 9:8-15
Psalm 24
1Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15
During this season of Lent the readings turn our attention to the relationship between God and the created world. The first reading tells of the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, which God had brought upon the wicked world, had subsided. Only one pair of each species was saved along with Noah and his family. The bible tells us that Noah had stood out from the rest of humankind because he was righteous. The covenant God made that he would never destroy the earth again was unique as it was extended to all living creatures. One of the features of the biblical covenant is a sign and the sign that God has made a covenant with all of creation is the rainbow.
The gospel today is Mark's account of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness. Mark gives no detail, just telling the reader that Jesus stayed in the wilderness for forty days with the wild beasts and was cared for by the angels. Immediately afterwards Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed, "The time has come and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent and believe the Good News."
This week we are invited to reflect on the covenant God has made with the whole of creation - ourselves, the animal world and all that lives on earth. Look with new eyes at the created world around you and spend some time thanking God for his love and care for all living things.
Listen to the words of Jesus and his call to repentance. Use the psalm as a prayer asking for God's help during the first days of Lent.
Imagine Noah who was saved from the floodwaters in the ark and, with the letter of Peter, reflect on the waters of your baptism.