Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B 14th November 2021
Lectionary readings: Daniel 12 v1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10 v11-25; Mark 13 v1-8.
Troubles.
“Nations and kingdoms will go to war against each other. There will be earthquakes in many places and people will starve to death. But this is just the beginning of troubles”. (Mark 13 v8).
Jesus’ warning of troubled times to come for his disciples has a very contemporary tone to it. Jesus was not describing our 21st century situation, but the years between his earthly ministry and the destruction (by Roman forces) of Jerusalem in AD69/70.
Jesus also warned them about false ‘messiahs’ who would lead many people astray. (v6). Jesus hoped that his disciples would be loyal to him and his gospel message. Jesus encouraged his followers to believe in the good news about God’s plan to reconcile Earth and Heaven. Jesus wanted his disciples to speak out about the importance of God’s kingdom values so that they may become recognised as essential for humankind’s well-being and survival. Jesus also suggested that the gospel message would only become credible to others if his disciples chose to live by kingdom values. (implied in Matthew 5 v1-10, 16).
The writer of the Book of Hebrews, emphasised the importance of disciples supporting one another; “We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things”.
(Hebrews 10 v24).
Jesus knew that storm clouds were gathering around him and that his time on earth was fast running out. Mark conveys this sense of urgency in his writing as he moves swiftly on, recalling the events of what we now call ‘Holy Week’, leading to the death of Jesus on a cross and his resurrection three days later. (Chapters 14-16).
Jesus was preparing his friends for a tough time, a time of persecution from Jews who did not believe that Jesus was their chosen Messiah and from the Roman authorities who demanded allegiance to Caesar as ‘Lord of all’, rather than to Jesus, our true Lord and Saviour.
Martin Leckebusch writes a message of encouragement about God’s promise and care to all who find themselves in a time of trouble, in the following hymn.
When circumstances make my life too hard to understand,
no doubt or fear, no pain or strife, can snatch me from God’s hand
In valleys where the path is steep, with shadows dark and long,
I know the Shepherd leads his sheep – his grace will keep me strong.
Though sorrow and perplexity are often what I feel,
Gethsemane and Calvary affirm God’s love is real.
It is enough for me to know God’s promise and God’s care:
wherever on life’s path I go my Saviour will be there.
(Singing the Faith 641).
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.