Mark 13:33-37
The gospel urges us to watch, wait and prepare for these three divine actions. The watchman in Jesus’ parable is waiting for his master… a man he has most probably met, served, and is already familiar with. He knows well who he was waiting for. The watchman might be tired and sleepy, perhaps out of fear he forces himself to remain awake. We do not know the watchman’s feelings towards the master, however, so his motivation could just as easily be the excitement of reuniting with someone he cares about.
Many of the writings of the prophets, the Book of Revelations, and many gospel passages are considered apocalyptic literature, a genre which explains or details the end of time. The theological term is eschatology or eschatological. These end times are typically portrayed as dark and perilous, full of angst and regret. This gospel moment, however, alludes to birth and the return of the Master as an upbeat and cheerful event.
If there is a term for literature focused on the end time, should we not have one which specifies literature about new time and new beginnings?
TS Eliot explains the connections between beginnings and endings beautifully in his Four Quartets:
In my end is my beginning…
What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from.
These words are very true in reference to the Kingdom and the Second Coming, as well as our lives on Earth. These events are endings for sure. But that means they are beginnings, as well. Advent is the time to reflect on this both-and situation. What in our lives might we bring to a close? What new experiences are waiting for us?
Journal Questions
- When did something in my life end? Did a new beginning came from it? Looking back, what do I know now about it, which I did not recognize at the time?
- When have I enjoyed waiting for someone or something and when has waiting caused me anxiety? Do my feelings differ if waiting for someone I know vs. an unknown person or event?
Writing to Pray 