A reminder about that to which our observance points

The Gospel Lesson from the Revised Common Lectionary’s daily readings is Matthew 23:37-24:14. That reading contains Jesus’ Lament over Jerusalem and then his prediction of the destruction of the Temple.  This latter section is sometimes titled the Little Apocalypse or the Olivet Apocalypse (as it was spoken by Jesus to his disciples while they were on the Mount of Olives).

Verses 24:4b-14 read:

‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But anyone who endures to the end will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end will come.¹

It is not a very jovial passage.  But, in order fully to appropriate the significance of this season, it is necessary to remember that part of the emphasis of this time of the liturgical year is on the return of Christ in glory.  The New Testament maintains that this includes some unpleasantness.

Jesus pledges hope for those who endure.  But he does not promise an easy road.  May God grant us all the ability to endure to the end.