October 12, 2025

Signs 3

Mark 13:24-37

Jesus here delineates more specific things that will signal the end of times, as opposed to the more general comments about wars, rumors of wars, and more that we heard earlier in the chapter.  These more detailed comments suggest something beyond the many things that people and nations do to other people and nations, and instead add a more cataclysmic view of things beyond any person’s control.

Jesus again uses the fig tree and nature to help the people to see that these are signs of the nearness of the end.  However, he then clearly says that no one, not even himself, will ultimately know when the end is coming.  That time is known to God alone.  Which invites us to discretion and wisdom when we hear various predictions of the coming of the end.  People may indeed be sincere in trying to read the signs of the times, as Jesus suggests that we do, but none of them can tell the day and time of the end, for God alone knows those details.

Thus, Jesus’ warning is to watch, and to be alert, certainly to pray, since we do not know when the time will come.  Indeed, Jesus means for us to always be ready, and we do that by living lives each day that follow his lead, that orient our lives based on his teachings, that are based on love, care for others, and devotion to God.