Introduction

As a Christian today, what is our understanding of Christ’s coming and Christ’s presence as contained in the Gospels written years after Jesus Ascension? And for today’s listeners, what is our belief in the Second coming of Christ? Is the Pentecost the manifestation of Christ’s return as Spirit?

If we are to wait, what does it mean to keep alert? keep awake?  How does one keep alert and awake?

Background

Jesus lived, was crucified, and was resurrected in the first third of the first century. But the event of the Temple’s destruction, and the very long apocalyptic speech about it here in Mark 13, reflect the situation of the final third of that century. The so-called “little apocalypse” of Mark 13 is probably best understood as crisis literature, spoken in the voice of Jesus, but to a context forty years or so after the narrated events of the Gospel of Mark itself. Whatever the strange apocalyptic language of Mark 13:24-37 means, it must be understood as direct address and in relation to the reality of the Temple’s destruction in 70 CE or Christian Era.

The Temple crisis is a key subject in Jesus’ apocalyptic speech in Mark. The destruction of the Temple represents a catastrophe of divine presence and continuity with the past. The Temple is the centre of religious life, and also of the political and economic aspects of society. When we read apocalyptic texts generically, it is helpful to think of them as crisis literature or literature addressing a particular crisis

The world is in a particular crisis today characterised by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has far-reaching effects on the economy and society. It has created significant political unrests in many countries.

For example, the recent United States Presidential elections held in the context of a raging, uncontrolled pandemic added to the already tumultuous situation of racism, disunity and economic hardship. The crisis remains unresolved with a President almost refusing to step down and hand-over power to the winner-elect.

Prophetic literature addresses a certain crisis. The Son of Man returns with great power and glory in a situation of human crisis, the world in turmoil, even creation groans as in labour pains… (Romans 8:19-21, 22-25) and so with humanity.
 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Prophetic literature also brings hope in a time of hopelessness.

Where do we find hope when troubles and seemingly insurmountable challenges comes?

The best source of hope is the knowledge that God sees us in whatever situation we are in. God sees us in this pandemic. God has God’s eyes trained on us in our suffering and difficulties. God’s gazes us with grace us when we sin.

The prophet Isaiah pleads to God on behalf of the Israelites who were lost in transgression saying:
9 Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
and do not remember iniquity for ever.
Now consider, we are all your people.
Better yet, God not only sees us but also comes to us to be present in us and for us always.

Our celebration of Advent is in remembering the God to came to us and dwelt among us though Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught the people during his time and his teachings were passed on to us through the disciples and later on through the church. He taught us about God’s kingdom and the God’s reign coming down and manifesting heaven on earth.

We are taught that we have become members of Christ body through baptism and now participants in Christ’s ministry and mission in the world.

Our Christian faith therefore allows us to live in the now and the coming of God’s reign. For us, Christ has already come and still is to come in all glory and power.

And so, we wait for that realization even as we make real God’s reign in the here and now.

But waiting is not a passive word here. It is an active one. It entails being aware, awake and prepared.

What is the difference between passive waiting and active waiting? Passive waiting is simply letting things pass by without doing anything about it. Active waiting is participation and involvement in making things happen – participation in the building of God’s Kingdom.

It means growth and growing while involved in the construction project.

What is the lesson of the fig tree?

it is about growth – branches become tender and leaves sprout… and summer is here! So, we look for the signs of the sprouting of the kingdom in our midst – through our works of faith in participation in Christ’s mission on earth – not in fearsome literal interpretation of prophecies… but in the reality and possibility of making real God’s reign here and now.

What have you noticed around you, or in the world, which tell you God’s kingdom is near? How will you know what happens next in a series of developments?

The Scripture says we should be watchful…

Also, be watchful of yourself and the things you do – similar to the slaves who were put in charge, each with his work, when the master leaves home.

Are you doing the things asked of you by the Lord? Do you do it with commitment and constancy?

Do you do your kingdom-building tasks faithfully?

The world is in crisis, humanity is in crisis, let us bring hope to the world by holding on to God’s promise of God’s reign here, now and in the time to come.

Amen.