Ep. 5 – A Practice of Love

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

The Gospel of Mark is the second canonical Gospel and is widely regarded as the earliest written account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. It presents Jesus as the Son of God and the suffering Messiah, emphasizing his powerful deeds, miracles, and teachings. Mark's fast-paced narrative highlights the kingdom of God breaking into human history and culminates in the passion and resurrection of Jesus. Traditionally attributed to Saint Mark, a close associate of the Apostle Peter, the Gospel was likely written around 70 AD for a Gentile audience, possibly in Rome. It is the shortest of the four Gospels and serves as a foundation for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.