Second Sunday before Advent (Remembrance Sunday)
“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.”
Overview
War feels like the end of the world. It ends lives but it also destroys communities, homes, livelihoods and futures.
In Scripture war and conflict are often presented in an apocalyptic light as a sign of the end of all things, but in our readings today they are also presented as birth pangs.
It is easy to misread today’s scriptures as a justification, or at least an acceptance, of war as redemptive violence, but this is never the case with a God of love. Violence can never birth peace. The challenge for us is to see what needs to be torn down in order that peace can be born among us. Can we bear to let go of things we held dear to bring into being justice and peace?
Daniel 12:1-3
Gives us a traditional apocalyptic view of end times, times which offer hope to the oppressed but will also bring shame and condemnation.
It is significant that this time is described as a birth: something involving torment and anguish but also deliverance.
Mark 13:1-8
Jesus tells of a time when the temple will fall: the stone symbols of earthly power and control. A time when God will not be manifest in structures but in flesh and blood, real people’s lives & hearts. Echoing Daniel, Jesus also conceives of this time as a new birth; one which will involve struggle and birth pangs to bring into being.
Readings
FIRST READING
Daniel 12:1-3
At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
GOSPEL
Mark 13:1-8
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.
