Mother Suzanne explores Jesus's apocalyptic vision in Mark's Gospel where He predicts the temple's destruction, revealing that God cannot be contained by physical structures. She reminds us that when we find ourselves amid life's rubble and ruin, we shouldn't fear, for God is present in our mess, bringing hope and new life through our struggles—just as birth pains lead to new life.

THE GOSPEL                                                                                                                                                            Mark 13:1-8

As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.” 

Artwork: Angkor Temple Ruins, by Kim Yoeung Seng