REGARDLESS…HOLD ONTO JESUS

THURSDAY AFTER FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT 2015

I just posted a long blog on Jesus-Rocks-Idols-Cathedrals. In some ways that blog relates to Jesus’ mood. We are in Mark chapter 13. Jesus is leaving the Temple after he has been sparring with the various religious groups of his day. The disciples praise the building and Jesus notes that not one stone will be left upon another—he foretells of its destruction.

And that is exactly Bishop Wright’s point; that chapter 13:1-23 is Jesus foretelling the destruction of the Temple. People read this section one of three ways: first Jesus is foretelling the Temple’s destruction, second that Mark wrote after the Temple fell and put these words in Jesus’ mouth, and the third that the words about the “sun and the moon…” are about the end of the world. Bishop Wright more than suggests the first reading is correct which places Mark’s Gospel as being written before 68-70 AD. People way smarter than me debate that point, but I agree with the good bishop.

The point about the meaning of the “sun and the moon…” Bishop Wright says are symbols of worldly power. He goes to some length to reason that the entire chapter is about the Temple’s destruction…but there is a lesson for us today. Jesus, in teaching his disciples about this turbulent time, says that they should not be shaken…that they should hold onto him. The same is true for us. Regardless of how you read chapter 13, we all face turbulent times. In our personal lives, in our work and home lives, in our society, and more…when you find your life shaking, hold onto to Jesus.