This week we recall, we reflect on the tragedy of the Wars now beyond the memory of the vast majority of folk. We may see imagery from World War 1, the desperate battles waged on the muddy fields of France and the Low Countries. We may see those who are still alive march through our streets or at least on our TV as they signpost us back to World War 2. Possibly we may remember and watch the TV services.
Some may recall the battles over Aden, or closer to today, the coalition wars with Bosnia and Kosovo, and also Iraq – from 1994-2003. I’ll remember my colleague, Gary, who died over Baghdad and the pilot who was shot down over the city of Belgrade in a mission I was on – one who was deemed a friend, the other foe. Both had families, both fought a cause, both died. It’s often that in war, we might reflect with admiration the loss of one person but possibly not the other. And it is why I wear a White Poppy every year, for all sides, including those who didn’t go to war. Perhaps this year we need to remember and watch.
Remember and Watch as it reflects the transition between the past, and to present, and into the future.
Jesus and the Temple
This week’s passage is from Mark 13:1-8 and ‘marks’ the last time we will be reading from the Gospel of Mark for some time – given that the new lectionary year starts in a fortnight – and it is the year of the Gospel of Luke.
Jesus is leaving the Temple area and the disciples draw his attention to the wonder, the awe, of the Temple building. It must have cut a fine image of a building fit for God, in their eyes. But it is a vision into the past. The Temple building was one created before in 20-26 BCE, and <spoiler alert> didn’t have long to go (c 70CE). Jesus responds that “not one stone will be left …all will be thrown down“. This might possibly resonate with the readers of the Gospel off Mark given its date or writing is believed to be c 70CE. The disciples later, viewing the Temple from across the valley, ask Jesus “what will be the sign?” – their attention is now to the future, but is it to protect the present? It’ more than just remember but remember and watch for the present and the future.
Past Memories
Just as we have been reflecting over the past century on Remembrance Sunday, the disciples, the readers of this Gospel, would have been mindful of their recent times:
- The famine in Palestine in c 50 CE
- The Earthquakes in 61-62 CE which wiped out Pompei etc.
- The more recent concerns with the Roman armies struggling when fighting a battle with the Parthians in 67 CE – what might be the ramifications if they did lose?
As we discussed a few weeks ago here, Jesus wasn’t foretelling the imminency of Heaven and definitely not Hell, but the coming of the Kin_dom of God.
Who do we watch over?
When Jesus is telling the disciples that they must be alert, to watch out for what is to come, he is forth telling – not foretelling – (the present not the future) that the foundations of Roman society will come tumbling down. This isn’t about “getting one over another” for all others will need support afterwards as well. Remember that Commandment ‘Love One Another’ that Jesus spoke of so recently.
We are not called to watch out for our victory but of the God’s Kin_dom here on Earth. It may come in small moments when we can clearly see the Kin_dom as in the Iona ‘thin space‘. We may see, or feel, or really experience that closeness to God in that moment, in that space.
And ourselves?
But we are also called to watch out for ourselves, that our inner beliefs are one that support the weak, bind up the broken, gather in the outcast, welcome the stranger and seek the lost (Isa 61:1-2) This will become more evident as we approach Advent Sunday in a fortnight.
So as COP26 closes – is there a legacy? – , as we remember those who died in so many Wars, even ‘the War to end all Wars‘, let us remember, yes; but watch for those who in these traumatic days are struggling. Watch ourselves that our motives are striving to be like Jesus’.
Let’s not watch for the end days but look with hope for the Kin_dom of God wherever we live.
I found the dialogue interesting