Holy Great-Martyr Theodore the General (286-305); the Holy Prophet Zechariah (c. 520 BC); Post-feast of the Encounter
2 Peter 2:9-22; Mark 13:14-23
Read Mark 13:14-23
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
But be alert; I have already told you everything.
Christ gives us warnings numerous times throughout the gospels. Although He warns us, we have nothing to fear. Christians have endured great sufferings over these past two millennia, but we know that it is all temporary. God is the eternal victor, and we will share His victory with Him!
Today’s gospel reading from Mark 13 continues Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the Temple and the signs of the end times. When false messiahs and false prophets appear to confuse us and lead us astray, we must go back to the words of our Lord and remember that He has already told us everything we need to know. Christ is all we need; Christ is God. Nobody else can appear and claim to have the special ability to save us.
In giving us these warnings, Christ reminds us to “be alert.” So often we are told to be alert, to be watchful. We cannot live our lives as fools oblivious to what is going on in the world around us. We need to pay attention to what is happening in the world and take steps to prepare ourselves. Likewise, we need to pay attention to ourselves spiritually. Are we becoming lukewarm and lazy in our faith and prayer life? Do we prioritise lesser things in life over our relationship with God? Brothers and sisters, when we pass away, we are bringing nothing with us. Are we being watchful of the state of our souls and the strength of our relationship with God?