Reflection -- A Caution For The Times

The text for today is taken from Jesus’ apocalyptic sermon in Mark 13.  The text was written to a community that was both under persecution and was in the midst of a crisis precipitated by the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman armies in 70 C.E.

 The Markan community is being reminded that Jesus in his teachings to the disciples foretold the destruction of the temple as well as the destruction of Jerusalem and how these events signaled the beginning of the end times.  Contrary to other prophets, Jesus remarks that these things are not to be mistaken as the end of time but merely as the “beginning of the birth pangs” which begin a greater time of tribulation yet to come.

 Those that listen are also being reminded that in the time of crisis, they are being called to endure in spite of what is happening around them and to remain as heroic witnesses to the faith.

 The community is being reminded that instead of becoming preoccupied with the moment of the end, and trying to discern the exact moment of the eschatological end, they should strive to remain steadfast and be weary lest they be led astray in the confusion around them.

 The message is the same for us today, in spite of the world tensions and threats of global war which surround us and the distraction of work, friends, family and personal issues, we must remain centered in Christ. 

 We are to persevere in our call as disciples.  We must follow the life of faith to which Christ has called us, caring for the least among us while spreading the “Good News” of God’s love for all people.  To spend energy in end-time speculation is to go astray from the essential life we are called as disciples to lead.

MawBarker

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Mark 13:1-8

As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" 

Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings?  Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down." 

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,  "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" 

Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.  Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.  When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”

 [NRSV]