Nov 3 – 24th Sunday after Pentecost – Mark 12:28-34
The religious leaders come forth to put Jesus to the test with a series of questions: the Pharisees and Herodians (12:13-17); the Sadducees (12:18-27); and one of the scribes (12:28-34). The latter is the Gospel this week The first two groups had asked their questions to try to catch Jesus out and fail. The scribe’s genuinely seeks the truth He askes “Which commandment is the first of all”. Jesus responds that the love of God is first and then loving your neighbor as yourself and together they are the most significant and even more important than ceremonies in the temple. . And Jesus, recognizing this, praises him – “you are not far from the Kingdom of God.” No one came up after the scribe.
Nov. 10- 25th Sunday after Pentecost- Mark 12:38-44
In this story is the “widow’s mite,” Jesus contrasts the actions of many of the scribes with the action of a poor widow. Jesus criticisms are direct. “They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
This widow is very poor but gives all she has to the temple treasury. Jesus calls us to give our lives to God, not just our money, not just our prayers, not just our talents, but all of who we are. This poor widow demonstrates that kind of faith and devotion. It’s not about one act or a set of actions, but about who we are and how we live our lives for God.
Nov. 17- 26th Sunday after Pentecost – Mark 13:1-8
Mark assures us that—even in chaos—God remains in control. Mark 13:1-8 tells of Jesus proclamation of the destruction of the temple. Jesus tells the disciples to turn from the apparent permanence and grandeur of the temple and instead to place their trust in God’s sovereignty. The temple was eventually destroyed during the Jewish Revolt in 66-70 AD.
It is most important not to be misled by premature claims that Christ has come (13:6). False prophets were an endemic problem for the early Church. Mark’s conclusion in regard to Jesus’ second coming is: “Yes, not yet but soon—watch!”
Nov. 24 – Christ the King-John 18:33-37
On Christ the King Sunday, Jesus offers final words before he is handed over to death, as he speaks of his coming reign.
Jesus tells Pilate that “my kingdom is not from this world.” Jesus uses as a proof of his unworldly kingship the fact that he is in captivity. Were he a worldly ruler, his followers would have besieged the Praetorium. That, however, is not the case.
Pilate, however, sees this as an indication that Jesus has admitted that is he is a king. “So you are a king” which Jesus responds. “You say that I am a king.” Jesus further responds that “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Jesus provides another model -the Messiah as Shepherd -one who leads by gathering the flock, keeping them safe, looking out for the lost and the least.