Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

THE GOOD NEWS DESPITE BAD NEWS (MARK 14:1-11).
Summary
The subject of the study of the anointing at Bethany narrative (Mark 14:3-9), which is placed between two scenes depicting actions against Jesus: the conspiracy of the chief priests and scribes (Mk 14:1-2) as well as the departure of Judas to the chief priests (Mark 14:10-11). This inclusion belongs to a type of literary device which occurs frequently in the Gospel of Mark: an ongoing story is interrupted by another and is continued and completed once the middle story ends. The chief priests and scribes, who act as initiators and promoters of actions against Jesus, are joined by one of the Twelve. The contrast to these activities is not a people full of admiration for His teaching, but the actions of the woman in Bethany. In this way, her act becomes the content of the Good News proclaimed in spite of bad news about the role of His external and internal enemies. In all circumstances the disciple is called to follow the example of total and unconditional commitment to the Lord, which is presented as a memento for the addressees of the Gospel.

The Song and the Parable of the Vineyard (Is 5:1-7; Mk 12:1-12)
Summary
The parable of the vineyard (Mk 12,1-12) is an image of God’s dealing with His people. This image is well known form the Old Testament texts, especially from Isaiah’s song (Is 5,1-7). The paper is aimed at investigating the both similarities and differences between the prophetic text and Jesus’ parable. The parallels can be seen in the use of metaphorical language, figures of speech and rhetorical devices. However, Jesus’ parable does not develop in the same way the image present in Isaiah’s song. According to the prophetic text it is the vineyard, which is failed; according to the Gospel the tenants. In Isaiah the vineyard is destroyed, but in the parable it is delivered to new tenants. Isaiah’s message is about God’s punishment of His people, which is definitive; Jesus’ teaching brings hope for God’s salvation in the resurrection of His Son.