PROPER 28 (33) – Year B
26th Sunday after Pentecost — November 17, 2024
Gospel Lectionary Text
Mark 13:1-8
13:1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!"
13:2 Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
13:3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
13:4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"
13:5 Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.
13:6 Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.
13:7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
13:8 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.
CONTEXT
Welcome to the 26th Sunday after Pentecost. In today's Gospel, Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple — the religious and economic heart of Jerusalem. Imagine this: 80% of the city's employment may have depended on the temple and its elaborate sacrificial system.
The altar burned continuously, consuming forests of wood and thousands of animals. Clouds of smoke filled the air; the smell of burning flesh was everywhere. Local streams ran thick with the blood of sacrifices. That's the toxic atmosphere created by sacrificial logic — a system convinced that someone or something must take the blame to appease God’s perceived wrath. The majority of Christians today see Jesus’ death as a God-sanctioned fulfillment of this system. It is the dominant view.
But there is an alternate, minority view (held throughout history) that suggests when Jesus was crucified, he made a "public spectacle" (Colossians 2:15) of this sacrificial logic, revealing that it's our wrath — not God's — that demands a scapegoat. Ten simple words cracked the foundation of this system: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." According to this view, there is a way out of the slaughterhouse, and that is mercy. Lord, have mercy!
Question
Birth pangs are a signal of imminent new life. As systems of violence and sacrifice are torn down stone by stone, what is being called forth?
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, wild and free. Do as you please. Shine your light on me that I might see things as they are, not as I am. Free me to act in your name with courage, creativity, and compassion. See the complete prayer
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