Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 15, 2015

The Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by Titus.

The long Pentecost season is drawing to its close. In two weeks Advent will begin, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day. Today’s readings foreshadow a central theme of Advent: our hope of resurrection and new life. Daniel, one of the last books written in the Old Testament, reflects Israel’s 2nd century BCE persecution under Greek rule. Today’s reading begins Daniel’s lengthy “apocalyptic” vision – similar to Revelation – that envisions ultimate triumph. It introduces the idea of a physical, bodily resurrection of the dead, the first time that this theological concept is raised in the First Testament.

Psalm: Psalm 16

Just as the Daniel reading promised a heavenly reward to those who remain faithful, the Psalmist reassures the people that God will not abandon those who bless God and set God always before them. The unfaithful, those who follow other gods, may see their troubles multiplied; but God will not abandon those who do not abandon God.

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25

We reach the end of our seven-week journey through Hebrews today, continuing with the idea of Jesus as our great high priest whose sacrifice has saved us from our sin. As we live together in unwavering hope, we are called to encourage one another with hope and good deeds as we await the day of God’s coming.

Gospel: Mark 13:1-8

Our yearlong journey through Mark’s Gospel (with occasional excursions into John) comes to its end today. These verses follow immediately after last week’s account of Jesus watching the poor woman giving her last two coins to the Temple treasury. Jesus, still angered by the hypocrisy of the scribes, utters his own version of an apocalypse, declaring that the Temple will be destroyed, thrown down, not one stone left upon another. As Mark’s Gospel now turns toward the cross, these words will soon be held against Jesus before the Temple’s high priest. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s incarnation, we remember his death and resurrection.