What Matters

24th Sunday after Pentecost

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs - Mark 13:8

Many church buildings are beautiful. One contemporary congregation worships in the round, surrounded by delicate carvings of the saints. Another congregation worships in a sanctuary supported by stunning wood floors and rotating liturgical over behind the altar.

Yet another assembly gathers in a sanctuary over 100 years old, lined with brilliant stained-glass windows that proclaim the faith from one generation to the next.

The shape and scope of our worship spaces are incredibly important. Their beauty bears vital witness to the nature of God's love in Christ. The grounding they provide us can give shape and structure to our own faith and life.

Jesus' words in Mark chapter 13, however, temper all this. Jesus' disciples are taken up by the majesty of the temple. "Look", they tell him, "what large stones and what large buildings!" (Mark 13:1). Jesus cautions their admiration.

The St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

He tells them a time is coming when "all will be thrown down." The building is temporal - as are all worship structures - no matter how dedicated to the kingdom of heaven. The disciples want to know when the temple will be torn down.

Jesus does not give a specific answer. He speaks instead about what to look for as one takes up the walk of faith. Others will claim to be the Messiah, and many will be led "astray" by such claims (Mark 13:6). The faithful are not to be taken in by these claims - any more than by anxiety over war, earthquakes, or famine.

Rather, what ultimately matters is the presence of God and God's love for all creation. This love, revealed in the body of Christ, is eternal, not temporal; it does not cease of fall away. In the midst of our anxiety and loss, in the midst of everything we experience, the steadfast love of God is the ground beneath our feet. Trusting in God is the one thing that truly matters.

What Matters

24th Sunday after Pentecost

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs - Mark 13:8

Many church buildings are beautiful. One contemporary congregation worships in the round, surrounded by delicate carvings of the saints. Another congregation worships in a sanctuary supported by stunning wood floors and rotating liturgical over behind the altar.

Yet another assembly gathers in a sanctuary over 100 years old, lined with brilliant stained-glass windows that proclaim the faith from one generation to the next.

The shape and scope of our worship spaces are incredibly important. Their beauty bears vital witness to the nature of God's love in Christ. The grounding they provide us can give shape and structure to our own faith and life.

Jesus' words in Mark chapter 13, however, temper all this. Jesus' disciples are taken up by the majesty of the temple. "Look", they tell him, "what large stones and what large buildings!" (Mark 13:1). Jesus cautions their admiration.

The St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

He tells them a time is coming when "all will be thrown down." The building is temporal - as are all worship structures - no matter how dedicated to the kingdom of heaven. The disciples want to know when the temple will be torn down.

Jesus does not give a specific answer. He speaks instead about what to look for as one takes up the walk of faith. Others will claim to be the Messiah, and many will be led "astray" by such claims (Mark 13:6). The faithful are not to be taken in by these claims - any more than by anxiety over war, earthquakes, or famine.

Rather, what ultimately matters is the presence of God and God's love for all creation. This love, revealed in the body of Christ, is eternal, not temporal; it does not cease of fall away. In the midst of our anxiety and loss, in the midst of everything we experience, the steadfast love of God is the ground beneath our feet. Trusting in God is the one thing that truly matters.

What Matters

24th Sunday after Pentecost

This is but the beginning of the birth pangs - Mark 13:8

Many church buildings are beautiful. One contemporary congregation worships in the round, surrounded by delicate carvings of the saints. Another congregation worships in a sanctuary supported by stunning wood floors and rotating liturgical over behind the altar.

Yet another assembly gathers in a sanctuary over 100 years old, lined with brilliant stained-glass windows that proclaim the faith from one generation to the next.

The shape and scope of our worship spaces are incredibly important. Their beauty bears vital witness to the nature of God's love in Christ. The grounding they provide us can give shape and structure to our own faith and life.

Jesus' words in Mark chapter 13, however, temper all this. Jesus' disciples are taken up by the majesty of the temple. "Look", they tell him, "what large stones and what large buildings!" (Mark 13:1). Jesus cautions their admiration.

The St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan

He tells them a time is coming when "all will be thrown down." The building is temporal - as are all worship structures - no matter how dedicated to the kingdom of heaven. The disciples want to know when the temple will be torn down.

Jesus does not give a specific answer. He speaks instead about what to look for as one takes up the walk of faith. Others will claim to be the Messiah, and many will be led "astray" by such claims (Mark 13:6). The faithful are not to be taken in by these claims - any more than by anxiety over war, earthquakes, or famine.

Rather, what ultimately matters is the presence of God and God's love for all creation. This love, revealed in the body of Christ, is eternal, not temporal; it does not cease of fall away. In the midst of our anxiety and loss, in the midst of everything we experience, the steadfast love of God is the ground beneath our feet. Trusting in God is the one thing that truly matters.