Presents are not always what they seem, and their “wrapping” may disguise their contents.

After a year in which the news produced escalating revelations of the appalling behaviour of some, and the perplexing choices made by others, what does the birth of a baby 2,000 years ago have to say to all this?

Rather than a series of books showing us the rules for living good lives, the Bible reveals God’s remarkable, and to us illogical, choices when selecting those who will become leaders and highly influential people in the history of mankind.

If we find it hard to be accepted by God just as we are — justified — the next challenge is to recognise that we are called to be made holy — sanctified — through growth in love.

We are so used to earning the experience of being valued by others, that we apply that approach to our relationship with God. But is that what God asks of us?

So what is the Good News which St Mark is proclaiming to us in every thread in his Gospel? What News is so Good that it can change the world? Where do we find it in the tightly packed events in Capernaum?