The Day of Pentecost (G)

Mark 13:1-13

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” ² And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

³ And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” ⁵ And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. ⁶ Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. ⁷ And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

⁹ “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. ¹¹ And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. ¹² And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. ¹³ And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

There are many concerns about the future. The Disciples are concerned especially concerning the Temple. Jesus seems to speak of a time when all will be destroyed. He also warns his disciples of false prophets and false-christs. But more important is what he says concerning his own disciples.

They will be dragged before councils, governors, and Kings. They will face charges on account of their faith. Jesus Christ offers this warning to all of us. We all need to be ready to face times of persecution. More importantly, during times of persecution we need to stand ready to speak the truth.

For most of us it is difficult enough to proclaim our faith in the work place or on the street corner. But Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will provide the words for these people. The Holy Spirit will speak for you and use you as his mouthpiece. God uses each of us to speak the truth.  He even opens up opportunities for each of us to bear witness to Christ Crucified for the forgiveness of sin.

God bears witness to his Love. God gives his Holy Spirit to all who believe, so they may bear witness to the Love of God in Christ Jesus.