25th Sunday After Pentecost
Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
The end and the coming of the Son
As he 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.
Reflection
John was working diligently on his car that Saturday afternoon. The alternator had gone out. As John was removing the alternator he came upon a stubborn bolt that just didn't want to break loose. No matter what he tried he just wasn't getting anywhere. So, he called his good friend Mark, to see if he had any great ideas. This was a great opportunity for Mark to come over and visit John, so Mark said he would be over in about fifteen minutes.
When Mark arrived, John greeted him with a can of beer. As the two friends talked to one another standing in front of the car, the conversation moved to a problem that Mark was facing. Mark's daughter, Jenny, had become sick the past few weeks. As tests were run and doctor visits piled up, they came to find out that Jenny had fell victim to some bad food at the pep rally and picked up salmonella. It just wasn't that easy to recover from, but since Jenny was young after about six weeks she recovered.
Mark related to John how worried he had become. Mark told John that it seemed that nothing else in this world mattered but his relationship and love for Jenny. There was a time that Mark felt so helpless that he knew he was suffering from depression. As time passed Jenny began to grow stronger and Mark began to feel better. Mark found out that some things just don't matter at these times. It seems that Mark's world was falling apart, until he realized the priorities in life were his love of Jenny.
As the conversation went on and on from one topic to another, the lubricant that Mark initially sprayed on the stubborn bolt did it's work. Beers downed and conversation continuing Mark told John to try the bolt once again. It broke loose and before you know it the alternator was out and the new one installed.
It seemed as if all was good now. John's car was back and running and better than this, a friendship and a love for one another's life problems were moving forward all because of a new dependence and a new trust in some new priorities of life. It's not about the things of this life but rather about the love of one another and relationships involved with that love.
John looked at Mark as the conversation grew deeper into their love of God and said, "Dare we think that when our world's seem to be falling apart at times, they could be put back together through what Jesus has done for us on that cross?"
Time for a couple of beers on the lawn chairs in front of the car, as the conversation continued between a couple of friends that cared about one another.
Prayer
Lord, each morning, afternoon, evening or whatever time of day it occurs, we come to you in conversation as we live in this fallen world. Things fall apart, storms come, illnesses invade ourselves and those we love. Death comes and we mourn. It's all falling apart many times. But you are always there and always stop and talk to your disciples to give us insight, direction and love that lasts into eternity. Thank you my friend, my Savior and my God... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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