The 24th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 28B), Nov. 19, 2006
BCP: Dan. 12:1-4a(5-13); Psalm 16 or 16:5-11; Heb. 10:31-39; Mark 13:14-23
RCL: 1 Sam. 1:4-20 and 1 Sam. 2:1-10 or Dan. 12:1-3 and Psalm 16; Heb. 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13:1-8
Three of the four lessons for today are intensely sobering, for although they provide assurance for the believer, the fulfillment of that assurance comes only after severe and savage trial. Jesus speaks of a tribulation unlike any that the world had yet seen or would see. Considering that those to whom he was speaking knew about the flood that had scoured the world, the oppressive slavery and forced infanticide in Egypt, the devastation and decimation of the land under the Assyrians and Babylonians, the looting and torching of the temple, and the tyranny under Antiochus, Jesus’ statement is chilling indeed.
Even more alarming is the counsel that Jesus gives for those times. There is nothing here about bearing testimony before kings and governors, or even waiting until the Holy Spirit provides the words to say. Jesus says that believers are to flee, and flee without delay — not even going into one’s home to retrieve belongings. The “abomination of desolation” is introduced in the reading from Daniel, and affirmed by Jesus in the gospel. It is difficult to overestimate the horror of the meaning of that reality, just as it is impossible to identify it before its time.
Of course, in Jesus, as always, there is only good news. The telling of truth is one way he shows his infinite and ever-reliable love for us. In these lessons, that truth includes the affirmation of a coming time of shocking tribulation but also the promise of deliverance. Jesus is never merely a doomsayer. The time of tribulation is under the control of God who will shorten that time for the sake of the elect. Believers are called merely to hold onto their faith and persevere — which is not new teaching. In fact, the teaching is constant and central in daily Christian life. Most believers will not see what the “abomination of desolation” and the unprecedented time of tribulation mean, but all face regular trials and tests in which one’s faith is either blown away to be rebuilt, or is honed and matured.
In our daily trials, perseverance and fidelity are always called for. In the lesson from Daniel, the faithful are given remarkable promises: They will awake from the dust and shine like the brightness of the sky itself. Jesus refers to “the elect” and their deliverance. Hebrews refers to those who “have faith and keep their souls.” Finally, the psalm itself is an oasis in the stressful lessons that surround it. It speaks of peace, gladness, joy, and pleasure, all built on faith in the Lord.
Look It Up
Note that in verse 10 in the psalm, even the grave and the Pit hold no fear. Recall that this verse was used by Peter in his first sermon (Acts 2:27-28) to preach the resurrection of Jesus.
Think About It
Consider one or more trials in your life that have deepened and strengthened your faith.
Next Sunday
The Last Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 29B), Nov. 26, 2006
BCP: Dan. 7:9-14; Psalm 93; Rev. 1:1-8; John 18:33-37 or Mark 11:1-11
RCL: 2 Sam. 23:1-7 and Psalm 132:1-13(14-19) or Dan. 7:9-10,13-14 and Psalm 93; Rev. 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
