Read
Read the assigned chapters if you are able.
Welcome
Read the story.
Meet Jesus.
Follow the way.
01 — 16
The Gospel of Mark tells a vivid, fast-moving story of Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, calling disciples, and journeying toward the cross.
During these six sessions, we will read Mark as a complete story and ask what it means to follow Jesus. The study will also prepare us for Liturgical Year B, when Mark is the principal Sunday Gospel.
No previous Bible-study experience is needed. Use your own Catholic Bible or follow the Scripture links on this page.
Year BMark is the principal Sunday Gospel.
November 29, 2026 through November 21, 2027
Our purposeTo encounter Christ in the Word.
Read attentively. Reflect honestly. Pray faithfully.
Before each gathering
A simple rhythm for preparation
Focus
Give special attention to the highlighted passages.
Reflect
Consider the two questions for the week.
Pray
Bring the prayer question honestly to God.
Short on time? Focus on the highlighted passages. We will read the central texts together during the session.
The Gospel at a glance
Mark moves toward Jerusalem
Preparation
Who is Jesus?
Galilee
Why do some recognize him while others do not?
On the Way
What kind of Messiah is Jesus, and what kind of disciple does he call?
Jerusalem
What does the cross reveal about his kingship?
Resurrection
How will the disciples respond?
Kingdom of GodIdentity of JesusFaithDiscipleshipServiceCross and Resurrection
The heart of Mark
“Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”
Mark 10:43The way of Jesus is the way of self-giving love.
Six sessions
Your weekly reading plan
01October 28The Beginning of the GospelMark 1:1–3:35
Focus
Jesus proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand and invites his first disciples to follow him.
Highlighted passage: Mark 1:14–20
Prepare
- What do Jesus’ first words and actions reveal about his mission?
- What might the response of the first disciples teach us about discipleship?
Bring to prayerWhere might Jesus be inviting me to follow him more closely?
02November 11Hearing, Faith, and the KingdomMark 4:1–6:6
Focus
Jesus teaches through parables and reveals his authority over the sea, evil, sickness, and death.
Highlighted passages: Mark 4:1–20; 4:35–41
Prepare
- Which soil in the parable of the sower best describes the condition of my heart?
- What does the storm teach me about faith and fear?
Bring to prayerWhat fear or resistance do I need to place before Jesus?
03November 18Bread, Compassion, and Spiritual BlindnessMark 6:7–8:26
Focus
Jesus sends the Twelve, responds with compassion, crosses familiar boundaries, and feeds people in abundance.
Highlighted passages: Mark 6:30–44; 8:14–21
Prepare
- What do the feeding stories reveal about the compassion and abundance of Jesus?
- Why do the disciples struggle to understand what they have witnessed?
Bring to prayerJesus, what are you trying to help me see more clearly?
04November 25Who Do You Say That I Am?Mark 8:27–10:52
Focus
Peter recognizes Jesus as Messiah. Jesus teaches that his way leads to the cross and calls his disciples to service.
Highlighted passages: Mark 8:27–38; 10:35–45
Prepare
- How would I answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”
- How does Jesus challenge the disciples’ understanding of greatness and power?
Bring to prayerWhat would following the way of Jesus require of me now?
05December 2The King Enters JerusalemMark 11:1–13:37
Focus
Jesus enters Jerusalem, confronts distorted worship and false appearances, and teaches in the Temple.
Highlighted passages: Mark 11:15–25; 12:28–34
Prepare
- What do Jesus’ words and actions in the Temple reveal about true worship?
- What would it mean to love God and neighbor with my whole life?
Bring to prayerWhat part of my life needs to be reordered around love of God and neighbor?
06December 9The Cross, Resurrection, and MissionMark 14:1–16:20
Focus
Jesus gives himself at the Last Supper, remains faithful through suffering, and reveals his kingship on the cross. The empty tomb calls his followers to faith and mission.
Highlighted passages: Mark 14:22–26; 15:33–39; 16:1–8
Prepare
- What do the Last Supper, the cross, and the centurion’s confession reveal about Jesus?
- How does Mark invite the reader to respond to the Resurrection?
Bring to prayerRisen Lord, how are you calling me to live and proclaim the Good News?
Read with care
Read the story within its living context.
Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and the earliest disciples were Jewish. When Mark describes a controversy, attend to the particular people and issue involved. These passages should never become judgments against Judaism or the Jewish people.
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