David E. Garland
When it comes to
living the Christian life, beginnings are better than endings. That may
be one of the most important lessons that the Gospel of Mark, by its
very structure, teaches us.
Looking at life in terms of endings often leads to discontent, neuroses,
and despair. We always want to win more, make more, succeed more. More
is an insatiable taskmaster. But the Gospel of Mark says the better way
is to focus on beginnings. It gives answers; it gives meaning to
suffering; it restores hope as the queen of virtues.
