Mark 13:24-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 13:24-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24"But in those days, after that suffering,
Verse 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Verse 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Verse 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Verse 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Verse 32"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Verse 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. Verse 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Verse 35Therefore, keep awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, Verse 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. Verse 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
Devotion
As I approached twenty years on active duty as an Air Force chaplain—having put in my retirement papers—that still left several months during which I worked hard not to be a “ROADie,” someone “Retired On Active Duty.” A similar temptation to simply sit back and wait for the “imminent inevitable” might be attached for us to Jesus’ image of the fig tree. Except there is that somewhat disconnected warning we zero in on today, two words repeated for emphasis in verses 32-37, “Keep awake!!” But while “the Man” was visibly absent, those left behind were, as emphasized in verse 34, to DO their WORK, to continue to serve! Who among us, though, is qualified to serve as THE doorkeeper? But what if each one of us is qualified, in our own way, place and time? If so, as responsible doorkeepers awaiting the Master of our Soul’s return—as Doorkeepers for Jesus the Christ—we might remember our primary duty: keeping HIS door to HIS house—full of all-inclusive, eternal grace—wide and welcomingly open.
Prayer
Day by day, dear Lord, of these things I pray: To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow—and serve—thee more nearly, Day by day. Amen. (Based on song from Godspell, 1972; and one by Saint Richard of Chichester, 13th Century)