A Homily on Mark 1:14 -20: The God Who Acts After ( 12-2-25)  

 A reflection on Mark 1:14 t- 20 showing how God’s saving work begins after apparent defeat. (12-1-25)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

There was a famous case that everyone followed closely. For months, people waited anxiously for the verdict. The day finally came, and the courtroom was full. The criminal was powerful and rich, with influence and the best advocates. The victim sat quietly, holding on to a small hope. When the judge read the verdict, a heavy silence fell over the hall. The judgment was in favour of the criminal. He walked out freely, smiling confidently, while the victim remained seated, broken and helpless. People whispered, “Everything is over.” After the courtroom emptied, the victim stepped outside alone. After days became weeks, and weeks became months, life grew heavier, and hope seemed weaker. After many had forgotten the case, a well-known advocate noticed the suffering. He listened carefully and said, “This cannot end like this.” After the verdict that seemed final, justice slowly began to rise again in a higher court.

Today’s Gospel begins with the same quiet but powerful word. “After.” “After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Good News of God.” Those who arrested John thought everything was finished. The voice crying in the wilderness was silenced. Truth was locked away. God’s work seemed stopped. But they did not know what God was preparing. After John was arrested, the One greater than John appeared.

This way of acting is not new. It is rooted deeply in the Old Testament. After Adam and Eve fell, God promised a future victory. After Abel was killed, God continued his plan through another line. After Joseph was thrown into prison, God raised him to save many lives. What his brothers meant for evil, God turned into good. After years of slavery in Egypt, after the cries of the people grew louder, God sent Moses. After Moses died on Mount Nebo, the journey did not end. God called Joshua and said, “Be strong and courageous.” After Elijah was taken away, Elisha received a double share of the spirit. God always works after moments that seem final.

So when Mark says, “After John was arrested,” he is saying something very deep. John’s arrest was not a failure. It was the sign that his mission was complete. Like the prophets before him, he prepared the way. After preparation comes fulfilment. After promise comes presence.

Jesus then proclaims, “The time is fulfilled.” This fulfilment grows out of the long waiting of Israel. After exile, after tears by the rivers of Babylon, after years of silence, God speaks again. The Kingdom of God is not announced from a palace, but from Galilee, a simple place, among ordinary people.

This Gospel also speaks to our daily life, especially in families. After disagreements, prayer can begin again. After failures of children, encouragement can rise. After tiredness and fatigue, forgiveness can be offered. Many people think faith is possible only when life is smooth. But Scripture teaches that God often acts most powerfully after the moments we think are over, lost, or hopeless.

Saint John the Baptist disappears quietly from the scene. He does not defend himself. He does not demand attention or justice. Like the suffering servant spoken of by Isaiah, he allows God’s plan to unfold. Saint John of the Cross later teaches that God leads souls through darkness and silence because after darkness comes the brightest light.

Those who arrested John did not know that Jesus was already walking toward Galilee. On Good Friday, people thought everything was finished. The tomb was sealed. Soldiers were posted. But after the silence of Saturday came the joy of Easter morning.

This Gospel invites us to trust the God of “after.” After loss, after injustice, after silence, after fear, God is still at work, often more powerfully than before.

Jesus, help me to trust that after every darkness, your light will shine.

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