In his chapter 13, the gospel writer Mark has woven together several strands of apocalyptic imagery, some from earlier Jewish writings, and some likely arising from his own spiritual insights as he seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit. The chapter describes future catastrophic events in the human and natural worlds. In verses 32-33, Jesus acknowledges that "no one knows" when "that day or hour" will come, and urges disciples to "keep alert," or as some ancient authoritative texts say, "keep alert and pray."

These days we are living through right now on planet earth seem to many of us to qualify as apocolyptic. There are personal and communal catastrophes that lead people to lament, "My world just fell apart." Worldwide, there are daily revelations of how human impulses toward viciousness and violence can erupt from feelings into action. The earth itself, a living, breathing being, a gift from God, resilient but also vulnerable, is telling us that we need to stop the damage we are doing.

These days, catastrophe shakes us just about every day and hour. According to Mark, Jesus urges us not to turn our backs on the earth or on each other. Rather, we are encouraged to "keep alert and pray." As the Apostle Paul puts it, "Pray constantly" or "Pray without ceasing." This doesn't mean we don't need to sleep--God made us for sleeping as well as for awakening, for discernment, and for loving action, toward ourselves and toward everyone. (Mark 12:28-31)

God also made us for joy. And joy helps us always, even in our confusion, even when we are overwhelmed, even in our tears. As he approached his own death, Jesus said to his friends, "I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." (John 17:22) This, too, can happen on any day, at any hour. Thanks be to God. Amen.