The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 12 November 2015 - Scripture: Mark 13:1-8

The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 12 November 2015 - Scripture: Mark 13:1-8
Mark 13:1

 As Yeshua came out of the Temple, one of the talmidim said to him, “Look, Rabbi! What huge stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “You see all these great buildings?” Yeshua said to him, “They will be totally destroyed — not a single stone will be left standing!”

3 As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple, Kefa, Ya‘akov, Yochanan and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what sign will show when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

5 Yeshua began speaking to them: “Watch out! Don’t let anyone fool you! 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will fool many people. 7 When you hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off, don’t become frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come. 8 For peoples will fight each other, and nations will fight each other, there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the beginning of the ‘birth pains.’

[Complete Jewish Bible]

I love to see and experience beautiful places of worship. I wrote my doctoral thesis on the topic of worship spaces. Whether the space is thousands of years old or dedicated this past Sunday, experiencing those places of worship excites me. This is not so much because of the space itself, but as one who works with communities regarding worship spaces, because of my reflection on how the space communicates what is done in that place. The importance is not in the building itself; it is just a building. What happens in that space, the administration of sacraments, the preaching of the Word, the gathering of the community for the milestones of faith and life--that is what is important about that space.
The disciples are amazed at the size and splendor of the Temple buildings. Jesus reminds them that they are simply stones and bricks. In the end, that is what they are. But what goes on inside is what really matters. Life-giving waters are splashed; stories of the faith are told and proclaimed; a simple meal of bread and wine is given to all; and a community gathers, bringing God their joys, concerns, and thanksgivings. Yes, the stones and bricks may fall or change; but the church, the community God has called together, will continue on, living and breathing in the unconditional grace of God.
Wash me, O God, in the baptismal promises today. Let your Word today enliven my heart and body. Feed me with your grace today as I eat my daily bread. Thank you, God, for your timeless grace and for the church, which continues in time and space to proclaim your love for the sake of the world. Amen.
Scott McAnally
Lead Pastor, Lutheran Church of Hope Broomfield, Colo.
Master of Divinity , 2004
Mark 13:1 As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!"
2 Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,
4 "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"
5 Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.
6 Many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and they will lead many astray.
7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.[New Revised Standard Version]
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