Commentary on 1 Peter 5:5b-14

The First Reading from the last chapter of the First Letter of Peter contains instructions to the younger leaders of the community. The first instruction is that all should be eager to serve each other and not have some dominating over others. They are also warned to be on the watch for evil forces and be firm and strong in their faith. They need to realise that their brothers and sisters in faith are suffering in many places because of persecution. But in time God will strengthen them and put them on a firm foundation.

Again, it was through his gospel, that Mark conveyed this message through his presentation of Jesus as establishing God’s Kingdom and also making clear that every follower of Jesus must identify with Jesus’ spirit of self-sacrifice and share in it. As Jesus accepted his cross and through his death passed to glory, so his followers too much carry their cross to share in the same glory.