Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost – Mark 13:1-8

Grace, peace and mercy to you from God our Father and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

A new movie is due to hit the movie screens in the coming weeks and it is called, “2012.” This movie once more picks up the topic of the ‘end of the world’. Whilst we might be able to dismiss it as a piece of entertainment, light on reality but heavy with spectacular special effects, it worth considering what lies behind such popularity in such a topic.

Humanity is always looking forward, trying to understand or gain a glimpse into the future. We imagine things will always stay the same, or we are quick to second guess what any particular outcome might be. When the disciples spent time in the temple in Jerusalem, they marvelled at the splendour, the size and the majesty of such a building. Surely if ever there was a building that would endure forever it would be God’s holy house here on earth. Jesus provides a sobering reality check to both his disciples and to us today, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2)

Heavenly Father, sanctify us in the truth, your Word is truth. Amen.

• Download and read the whole sermon as a pdf here