bookends (Mark 13:1-8)

theologically
exegetically
i understand why
the gospel bookends
for the church year are
'little apocalypses'

but emotionally
(and hopefully)
i long for bookends marked
grace
peace
forgiveness
kindness
justice
compassion

and then i realize
that what jesus
is talking about is not
fear,
   but faith;
not terror,
   but trust;
not the worst of times,
   but the hoped-for
   fulfillment of all
God's goodness, wonder,
life, beauty, and love.

(c) 2018 Thom M. Shuman