One of the things I learned a long time ago is that Mark, our first “gospel-form” was written during a highly contentious and portentous atmosphere, one filled with violence and threat.
Apocalyptic literature is always for “tough and tumultuous times.”
After a day spent talking about “loving your neighbor” and “care for widows and orphans and for the resident aliens”…Jesus and the disciples walk away from the temple in Jerusalem…
As if, they heard nothing, witnessed nothing, learned nothing…the disciples point out the glorious architecture that surrounds them.
It was glorious.
As a matter of fact…the Temple was thought by many to be the most beautiful building in the entire world.
The Temple was begun in 19 BCE and was finished in about two year’s time, though the work continued on the structure for another 80 years.
The exterior was covered in white marble and gold. It was totally impressive.
One can only imagine the reaction of pilgrims upon first seeing it, especially if they arrived in the morning hours with the early light – striking the front façade. The shining structure would have seemed a very fitting place indeed for God’s presence on earth.
For the record, the immense complex covered an area five football fields long and three football fields wide. It was indeed immense.
Obviously, having heard their comments, Jesus did not share in their triumphant attitude.
One more time, they did not understand Jesus’ teachings.
Wars and reports of wars, earthquakes, famines, deceivers, rumors and talk of the inevitable end… This is what Jesus responded with – when the disciples tugged on his robe and pointed at the pretty, pretty huge buildings.
They liked things that were shiny and glistened…and called your attention.
Throughout the first century, the economic situation of the native population kept deteriorating. More and more people were forced off their land into dire poverty.
The disciples looked longingly at a building.
All of this – is in light of the most recent developments in France…and indeed around the world. Stuff happens. Bad stuff happens. Not everything is in our control.
It was interesting. The disciples were fixated on things. They were fixated on stuff. They were fixated on buildings.
It is easy for us to become fixated on the wrong things, as well. How many times do we have to say it, “it is not about stuff.” It is not about things…
Stuff does not last. Buildings are raised. Buildings disappear. Stuff warps, fails and is not permanent. Erosion happens slowly over time. What is here today – is gone tomorrow. Everything is temporary. Nothing lasts forever.
So, Jesus tried a redirect. He wanted his own to see and to understand the bigger picture. It was his desire that they know “what is really important and what is not!”
Have you heard the Christmas music? Have you seen the trees and the ornaments already displayed. Christmas cards are out. The Elf on the Shelf is once again for sale.
And already, the lectionary gives us a dire warning about “not being led astray” – not being deceived by the many who will say, “Here is your salvation.”
We look in the wrong places. We fixate on the wrong things.
You have to know what is and what is not important!
…The disciples were not understanding…
Jesus’ whole ministry was about concern for others, this was the heart of it. People are important. Relationships are important. God is important. It is about healing and wholeness, about inclusion and reconciliation…
Jesus wanted the twelve to have resilience and hope in an uncertain future.
God is not contained within the walls of the Temple. God’s love transcends specific places and is found in people. The life of God’s people was founded not on bricks and mortar but on the love of people, individuals, widows and orphans, strangers and aliens.
Jesus was calling the twelve to love in the community that surrounds them…God’s people all.
Know what is important. Start with God. Know what is of value. Move on to the neighbor.