Jesus is clear about this: What we see now is not the end of it. There will be change (Mark 13:8). There will be the unexpected (Mark 13:35). There will be new understandings (Mark 13:36).
Sometimes, we enjoy being in a rut, knowing exactly what to expect; but Jesus gives two illustrations of “rut living” not working. In one case (Mark 13:5-8), He says we cannot jump to a conclusion that the world is ending just because things have gotten tough and rough. In the other case (Mark 13:28-37) he reminds us that just when we think we have things figured out, along comes a surprise.
This ought to encourage us when we encounter a new interpretation of Scripture. God continues to reveal God’s truth and God’s presence, so sometimes God has to find a new way to get us to understand God’s truth. It is not the truth that changes; it is our readiness to grasp it that changes.
When I read these verses in today’s focal text, I recalled something St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b). In other words, don’t put off receiving God’s saving grace; no one knows God’s schedule (Mark 13:32). As Jesus told the disciples, the owner could come back at any time, so now is the time to be ready (Mark 13:35).
Our Lord alerts us to the fact that there will those who (Deliberately? Unintentionally?) will fool us into thinking they have the final word (Mark 13:6). (Take a look at the reminders in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 and 1 John 4:3.) I must seek to be biblically informed and compassionately formed so that I do not fall for the falsehoods that might tempt me into brokenness in my relationship with God and emptiness in my love for neighbor.
Yes, we are waiting for the fullness of God’s Kingdom. Rather than inviting us to relax, that is an invitation to alertness, readiness, and willingness to change.
