Gospel Note
In this beginning to his Gospel, Mark uses (with some alteration) two Old Testament passages (Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3) in order to depict the ministry of John the Baptist, his preaching and practicing a water baptism of repentance and forgiveness, as the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah, who will bring a spiritual baptism.
Liturgical Color
Blue or pu…
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