We have finally arrived in Jerusalem. The tension between Jesus and the religious authorities reaches flashpoint. He is questioned about his authority; his relationship to God is 'tested'. Jerusalem's leadership appears like an unfruitful and withering fig tree. The disciples seem silent, or at least in the background. 

Finally, in Mk 13, Mark's Jesus teaches apocalypticaly, offering hope to those faithful disciples who feel overwhelmed by the cataclysm and oppressive powers that surround them. Mark is offering Gospel listeners a way of analysing the present and preparing them for an uncertain future. 

The last words of Jesus to his disciples, Mark's household and us is 'to watch'. Spiritual alertness, the capacity to analyze what is happening and responding to it with faith in the eternal presence, is about to be tested.

Notes (from the Catholic Parish of Lockleys in South  Australia--www.lockleysparish.com) that accompanies this presentation  can be found here.