Chapter Thirteen

13:1-13 On the destruction of the Temple – Beginning of sorrows: Chapter 13 of Mark is known as the "eschatological discourse" about "the final moment." This discourse must be read and interpreted, not with fear of what is to be destroyed but with optimism and hope for what is being built. In verses 5-13, Jesus describes, with prophetic style, a reality dominated by false messiahs, political (fratricidal), economic (famine), ecological violence, and the persecution and torture of the good. God's presence in this challenging reality seeks to generate hope, trust, and fidelity in Jesus' project.

13:14-23 The great tribulation: The abominable idol, in a clear reference to Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Dn 9:27), continues to manifest itself in the Roman and Israelite authorities who, in the face of the appearance of false messiahs and prophets, legitimize the oppression of the people. The Christian communities must live the experience of the kingdom confident in the power of God; with his help, they will be able to identify the false messiahs and prophets that invariably arise in moments of tribulation; however, such moments are only transitory because their destiny is salvation (Dn 12,1). 

13:24-27 The Parousia: The story of the coming of the Son of Man, placed at the centre of the discourse on the life after death, gives it a solid Christological character. The cosmic upheaval that precedes the parousia is typical of prophetic and apocalyptic literature and serves to introduce the extraordinary interventions of God, which generate radical changes in history (Is 13:10; 34:4; Dn 7:13f). The parousia is presented as the day of the great gathering of all God's people; therefore, it cannot be a day of fear but of joy.

13:28-37 The example of the fig tree – About the day and the hour: The discourse on the life after death concludes with Jesus' exhortation to be attentive, vigilant, and awaiting the coming of the Son of Man, his Parousia. For this, as usual, he uses images that are close and familiar to his people: the example of the fig tree and the master of the house who goes on a journey but whose servants do not know when he will return. We must live the present time to the full and await the Parousia of the Lord with joy. We should not worry about "the date" of his coming but meet him now, amid our daily life. Jesus is risen and lives in our midst. We do not wait for him to "return" because, in reality, he has never left. What we are waiting for is his glorious manifestation.