Today we hear a type of Scripture called apocalyptic. The last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, is also apocalyptic, but in the Gospel of Mark we find a condensed version of it right here in Jesus’ words as he speaks with his disciples. This year, humanity has experienced many terrible events: most recently the terrorist attacks in Paris, but also the failure of our culture to protect God’s universal plan for marriage. Some Christians believe there will be a single terrible event that is coming, the great tribulation, but rather, could it be that all tribulation is united to Christ’s own that he faced on the cross? By speaking to his disciples this way, Jesus prepares them, prepares us, for a history of tribulation, a great tribulation which he has already conquered himself. Through Apocalyptic scripture, God expresses his concern that we are ready for difficult times, and that we help one another through them.
Sunday – Ordinary Time – Week 33 – Year B
