Consider the Word, November 11, 2021

Consider the Word, November 11, 2021
Here’s the Bible Study, but there is no actually (via Zoom) study group this week.
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for November 14:

• 1 Samuel 1:4-20
• 1 Samuel 2:1-10, As Canticle
• Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25
• Mark 13:1-8

 
Collect

Almighty God,

you sent your Son Jesus Christ

to be the light of the world.

Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us,

and bring us to eternal light and joy;

through the power of him

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
Reading: Mark 13:1-8

As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."  When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?"  Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray.  Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 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."

 
Reflection Questions

1. Does knowing that “apocalypse” means an “unveiling” or “revelation” help in our understanding of this scripture?

 
Closing Prayer

God of all life we give thanks for the signs

of your love and creativity

that surround us and bless us.

May it be so.

 
The Message: Mark 13:1-8

13 As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”

² Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.”

^3-4 Later, as he was sitting on Mount Olives in full view of the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew got him off by himself and asked, “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?”

^5-8 Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming.

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson