While some people were speaking about
how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,
Jesus said, “All that you see here–
the days will come when there will not be left
a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”Then they asked him,
“Teacher, when will this happen?
And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered,
“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name, saying,
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them,
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues
from place to place;
and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
In Today’s Gospel we get a bit of a reality check. Some disciples are remarking on the temple, how decorated it is, all the votive offerings and the stones. To which Jesus responds with a simple yet shocking reply “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Immediately they want to know more, and if you peak into the Gospel of Mark (MK 13:1-17), these curious individuals are named and the scene is set. Upon the Mount of Olives, opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately ask the Lord when this all will happen.
Jesus doesn’t mince words, and is clear that there will be false teachers, there will be war, and calamity. Perhaps in the details He was sharing the reassurance He spoke was missed, though I suspect not, “do not be terrified.”
The last we read in today’s Gospel is of Jesus continuing to give more horrific details, of nation rising against nation, of earthquakes and famine. Not a pretty picture, and there is even more as we continue to read beyond verse 11 but that is for another day.
Today, we are shaken awake in this Gospel to the reality that life will not always be simple, easy, or clear. There will be times when what appears to be our whole world will fall down, and no stone is left standing. There will be times of distress, exhaustion, bewilderment. Times when we feel at war with others and even ourselves. Times when we are starving for Truth, and Love. Times when the very foundations of our faith are shaken.
Do not be terrified.
And the disciples may have been terrified, I know I would have been. Yet Jesus is preparing them, and urging them to remain steadfast. That no matter what the world will throw at them, to not stray, but to remain with Him and in Him.
We too are urged to remain steadfast. That no matter what is happening around us that we remain vigilant and not stray. That we remain in Christ and with Him and not be terrified.
Amen, yes, indeed!!!!
Thank you for the great reflection