by 
Stay Alert
Mark 13:24-37
By Richard T.
Happy idiot. Is that what I am because I look for joy in a world abounding with wars and rumors of wars?
Today’s scripture finds Jesus talking about the end times when he will return, “coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” When we look at our world, we see all the signs of the end times. Does the daily flood of bad news make us succumb to fear and depression?
I contend that this era is probably the best time to be alive, not the worst. We don’t have to suffer many of the hardships our ancestors endured. People are still willing to lend a helping hand; and, on the other hand, war and injustice have always been with us.
When speaking about the “end times,” Jesus tells us to stay alert because we don’t know when that time will come, and that “only God knows when the end will be.” He doesn’t say for us to be paralyzed with fear or filled with hopelessness; instead, he urges us to proclaim the good news.
Jesus has said for each of us to be as innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent. Why this contradictory advice? I think what he is saying is that even though we see war, hatred, and injustice; we don’t give up hope on the good things people do every day.
As we enter this Advent season, we look forward to the salvation that the birth of Jesus brings to us.
Prayer: Loving and merciful God, open our hearts to the love and peace that only you can give. Reveal the truth of your word, and help us to be steadfast in our faithfulness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
