Gen 9: 8-15; Psalm 24(25):4-9; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15
Genesis describes how, after the Great Flood, God established the first covenant with humanity, promising not to destroy all living creatures again. Every rainbow reminds us of God’s care for all creation.
The psalm asks for God’s guidance and pardon, before meditating on God’s goodness towards the just.
Peter applies the Genesis story to Jesus. We should not “repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse” but repay hurt with a blessing. If God wills that we suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. God’s promise to Noah is fulfilled in Christ, who “in the body was put to death, in the spirit was raised to life”. Just as Noah was saved by water, so we are washed in the water of baptism and make “a promise to God from a good conscience” rising into a new life in Christ.
In Mark’s gospel Jesus’ baptism is followed immediately by this very brief description of his temptation in the desert. Angels guided the Israelites during the Exodus. Now angels look after Jesus as he rejects Satan and remains obedient to God, announcing the Good News to begin his human ministry.
Psalm Response: Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
(Gen 9: 8-15; Psalm 24(25):4-9; 1 Peter 3: 18-22; Mark 1: 12-15)