Psalm 48:11-14, Antiphon, Mark 13:13b–The one who
endures to the end will be saved. The words of the Antiphon are simple, direct,
and profound. If you endure to the end, you will be saved. Lord grant while
worlds endure we keep God’s teachings pure throughout all generations!
Sunday’s Theme is simply “The Coming End of the World.” Mark’s “Little Apocalypse,” Chapter 13, is being used to introduce the
theme of the end times. Sunday’s Gospel Mark 13:1-13 deals with the events
of disaster and persecution that mark the birth-pangs of the final end of the
world.
The Old Testament lesson Daniel 12:1-3 was chosen to
harmonize with the Gospel for it, too, speaks of the end of time and God’s
deliverance of His people. The Epistle lesson Hebrews10:11-18 continues the
discussion of Christ as high priest, but indicates that after His once-for-all
sacrifice, He is waiting in His exalted state for the defeat of His enemies. As
the church year comes to a close, it is fitting to dwell on the end of the
world and the return of Christ.
Despite its “wonderful
stones” and “great buildings,”
the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, not one stone left upon another; just
as this present world and its kingdoms will come to an end (Mark 13:1–8).
But that temple pointed beyond itself to Christ, to His sacrifice upon the Cross, and to the resurrection of His Body as the true Temple of God. In the midst of sin and death, by the proclamation of the Gospel, He now gathers disciples into His Body, wherein “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:10–13).
For He is “a
great priest over the house of God,” who “will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” By the
pure water of His Baptism, they “draw
near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,” and by His flesh and
blood they enter the Holy of Holies (Hebrews
10:17–22).
Thus are His people delivered, “everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” For by the
wisdom of His Gospel, He turns “many to
righteousness,” so that “many of
those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” to everlasting life (Daniel 12:1–3).[2]
Collect for Psalm 84 Almighty God, you heard the prayer of Christ, your chosen one, and raised him to the lasting joy of your presence. Help us in our pilgrimage toward you to love your Church and to offer the sacrifice of praise at your altar, that we may hasten to your home and joyfully look upon your glorious splendor, which we have seen in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.[3]
[1]
The Crucifixion, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal
and congregational use
[2]
Lectionary Summery LCMS commission on worship
[3]
Collect for Psalm 84, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church,
Vol. IV. © 1996 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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