The gospel reading from Mark this week includes three separate units that all share a common theme: the Son of Man's return is imminent, and all had better keep alert and be prepared for his arrival. Jesus' use of Son of Man imagery harks back to Daniel 7 but combines it with the language found in Isaiah's prediction of Babylon's destruction on the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 13). Like that "Day," the coming of the Son of Man is expected "after" great suffering (v.19). But no indications are given about the length of time this "after" entails. The whole point of the three examples given in Mark 13:24-27, 28-31, and 32-36 is that while a discernible order of events may be expected, the exact moment is beyond human calculation.

The celestial upheaval described in verse 24-25 brings an end to est…