In this week's reading, Jesus delivers some shocking revelations about the temple and prophetic visions of what's to come. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy explain how the disciples would have their faith tested, if these prophecies came to pass, and why many people today are still focused on the events Jesus described. Plus, how do we respond when power pushes back against our desire to follow Jesus' ways?
Questions for Further Discussion:
Themes and Application
1. The clergy discuss cycles of violence and the futility of responding to violence with violence. How does this shape our understanding of discipleship today?
2. How does the nonviolent approach Jesus models in Luke 21 relate to modern conflicts and social justice work?
3. Peter mentions that “endurance” and bearing witness are central to this teaching. What does it mean to “gain your soul” through endurance in the face of chaos?
Personal Reflection
1. What “temples” or institutions in your own life do you feel attached to that could fall, and how might your faith guide your response?
2. Elizabeth talks about tuning into the divine through lived experience and acts of justice. How do you personally recognize when an action aligns with God’s ways?
3. How does understanding the imperishable nature of the soul affect your approach to challenges, loss, or societal chaos?
Broader Spiritual Considerations
1. How do you interpret the references to “wars and insurrections” and natural disasters in a modern context? Are these warnings meant literally, metaphorically, or both?
2. The hosts discuss the tension between loving tradition and challenging it. How can one honor spiritual traditions while also embracing necessary transformation?
3. How does this passage and discussion inspire hope amid fear and uncertainty in our current world?
Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.
Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.