MARK: His words

In late November of this year, in many parishes across this nation, the Gospel reading was taken from Mark 13. As I prepared my message for Sunday I was drawn [forcefully, it seemed] to the conclusion that the Lord was directing me to consider His words as especially appropriate for the times in which we live, as many in the Anglican Church of Canada reflect on the state of our world-wide communion. In the wake of certain independent decisions made by ECUSA and the promised response of so many Anglicans in the Global South [representing the majority of Anglicans world wide], it would appear that our communion is fracturing. The full extent of this fracture will be revealed over time but there is every indication Easter, 2004 is a critical date for many of the international Primates.

There is a growing unrest, and many Canadian Anglicans are beginning to wonder if we will follow the American Church in spite of all argument and reason.

I have been told emotions range from outright anger to bewilderment and despair – there is a growing and heightened awareness that we are in a serious crisis, even though some are saying “peace, peace,” when there is no peace [JER 6.13-19]. In such times as these we need a true word from the Lord and I have come to believe that Mark 13 is just such a word as we need.

The starting point for understanding this entire chapter is found in the comment made by Jesus [vs.2] concerning the pending destruction of the Temple. This comment prompts the question of the disciples [vs.4] and sets the stage for the whole chapter. Mark 13 is not about the end of the world – it is about the end of the Temple period, which we know came with the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and thereby fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jesus [vs.30]. But imagine what this event would have meant for the faithful Jew of the day: the Temple, once the religious center would be no more. But more than this, the Temple served as the social, economic and political center as well. Judaism would never be – could never be - the same again: it would truly be as if the whole cosmos were shaken [vss.24-25] – and only apocalyptic language could describe the effect [not unlike the comment of someone in a crisis event who feels his world has been shattered– it has not of course, but it feels as if it has nevertheless].

I believe Mark 13 is telling us something we need to hear clearly. Whatever the future holds for the Anglican Communion, whatever fracturing might occur – it will not be the end of the world.

Anglican life as we have come to understand it might very well change, but the faithful will still gather around the Holy Table and life will go on – perhaps, and hopefully with renewed missional vigor, and deep commitment to the fundamentals of the faith.

The whole of Mark 13 can easily be broken into two quite distinct phases, each of which calls for a specific attitude or posture. Regarding the first phase [vss.1-13], Jesus counsels an attitude of patience – do not act precipitously. Do not be led astray, not even by those who would present themselves as coming in His Name [vss.5-6]. Rumors of war may fill the ear [vss.7-8]. You may very well be called to answer for your faith – hated because you choose His Name above all others – but the Holy Spirit will guide your response [vss.9-13]. I am inclined to believe we are living as it were, in this first phase now.

So, do not be so afraid of the shadows that surround you now, or the persuasive voices that might [if it were possible] lead you from Jesus and His Gospel. Do not allow your thoughtful, prayer-filled response to the crisis at hand to be transmuted and distorted so as to become nothing more than emotional reaction based in fear, anger or bewilderment. This is not the hour in which to flee. Stand your ground. Contend for the faith once and for all time delivered to the saints. Let your voice be guided by the Spirit and Word of the Lord in the councils of the Church. He in whose Name alone is our salvation found will not hand us over – let us not hand Him over.

And yet, Jesus says to His disciples, there is a time when standing and being patient must come to an end – when contending must cease - and so a second phase is described [vss.14-37]. Jesus warns His disciples to carefully discern the sign that identifies the beginning of this second phase [vs.14]. Choosing His words carefully He redirects their thoughts to DAN 11.31-32 and once again speaks of an army that will surround the city and Temple, setting in place a “desolating sacrilege” where it ought not to be [vs.14] – a time within one generation when the unthinkable would occur. Now, no longer does He counsel them to stand their ground – no, now He advises in the most emphatic way - this is the time to flee for your lives’ sake. This they are to do so with haste - with complete disregard for what one owns [vss.15-17]. And they must keep double guard against those seducers who might seek to soothe their soul when in fact leading them astray [vss.21-23].

These are tough words indeed, but in the midst of this calamity Jesus declares there will also come a revelation of His Kingly status. The obvious reference to the imagery of DAN 7.13-14 details the enthronement of the Son of Man, coming in the clouds of heaven to appear before the Ancient of Days [not a return coming to earth, as some teach]. To Him – to Jesus, and to Him alone – is given dominion, glory and kingship in the Father’s Kingdom that has no end. This is the reality that will stand the test of any crisis.

Faithful people: keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus – however disturbing the future might seem, whatever the crisis you must endure, however troublesome the times in which we live – look to the One who reigns. Do not for a moment entertain the notion that His Church can be taken from His hand – it is He who declared that even the gates of hell would not prevail.

Mark: His Words. Be circumspect, contending for the faith in the power of the Spirit. And be assured that whatever happens – it will not be the end of the world, nor even of the Church – but perhaps a glorious new beginning. And through it all Jesus will stand in the radiance of His glory and kingship – for all who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and the humility to bow their wills before His.

Be of good cheer and of great courage, though these are troublesome days.