Mark 13: 24-32

Jesus speaks of the established order falling apart, but the collapse of the old order opened the way for new possibilities. Our church is in crisis, and the world is facing climate disaster. Where have you seen something new and hopeful emerge in the midst of all this, e.g. some action arising from better eco awareness (less waste, a community garden, et al)?

The parable of the fig tree. Even in winter it begins to put forth leaves which give a hint of the fruit to come. Where have you found signs of hope in a wintry situation - in your own life, in the life of some group, in the life of the Church, in our world?

Jesus proposes no clear time-scale for the events being foretold, so the final sentence (v.32) is a call to alertness, because God can come to us in different ways each day. What difference does it make to you when you are able to live the present moment to the full?