MARK 13:14–20
THE GREAT TRIBULATION
Text – Mark 13:14–20
14 “When you see the desolating abomination standing where it should not—let the reader understand—then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
15 A person on a housetop must not go down or enter to get anything out of his house,
16 and a person in a field must not return to get his cloak.
17 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days.
18 Pray that this does not happen in winter.
19 For those times will have tribulation such as has not been since the beginning of God’s creation until now, nor ever will be.
20 And if the Lord had not shortened those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect whom he chose, he shortened the days.”
Historical and Jewish Context
The “desolating abomination” refers to a historical and prophetic event deeply rooted in Jewish memory. The phrase originates from Daniel 9:27, describing a pagan desecration of the Temple. In 167 B.C., Antiochus IV Epiphanes erected a pagan altar in the Jerusalem Temple, sparking the Maccabean revolt. Jesus used this term to predict a similar event—the Roman army’s desecration and destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. The command to flee to the mountains was literal; early Christians heeded this warning and escaped Jerusalem’s destruction by taking refuge in Pella, across the Jordan River. The urgency of not turning back or gathering possessions expresses the total devastation and danger that would come upon Judea.
Catholic Theological Perspective
While referring to the fall of Jerusalem, Jesus’ words also carry eschatological meaning, pointing to the tribulations before His second coming. The “desolating abomination” symbolizes any act or system that replaces the worship of God with idolatry, sin, or human pride. The Church sees in this passage a dual prophecy—fulfilled in history yet awaiting completion at the end of time. The suffering of those days reveals the reality of evil and the necessity of divine intervention. God, in His mercy, “shortens the days” for the sake of the elect, assuring believers that He remains sovereign even in the midst of great distress. The faithful are called to perseverance, trusting that God’s providence limits evil and brings salvation.
Parallels in Scripture
Daniel 9:27; 11:31 – The prophecy of the “abomination of desolation.”
Matthew 24:15–22 – The parallel account with added emphasis on the suffering of the righteous.
Luke 21:20–24 – Clarifies the sign as the encirclement of Jerusalem by armies.
Revelation 13:14–18 – The rise of the beast, symbolizing ultimate rebellion against God.
Key Terms
Desolating Abomination – Desecration of what is sacred, originally the Temple, later understood as the rise of ultimate evil opposing God.
Elect – God’s chosen people who remain faithful and are preserved through tribulation.
Shortened Days – Symbol of divine mercy limiting the duration of suffering for the sake of salvation.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is often read in the final weeks of the liturgical year when the Church reflects on the end times. It reminds believers to live with watchful hearts, avoiding attachment to worldly things and remaining faithful amid trials. The Church also interprets this text in light of the Cross—where suffering leads to redemption—and during Advent, it calls the faithful to vigilance for Christ’s coming in glory.
Conclusion
Jesus foretells a time of great tribulation that tests both faith and endurance. Yet, He assures that God’s providence governs even the darkest moments of history. The destruction of the Temple, once the center of worship, foreshadows the transformation of God’s dwelling from stone to the hearts of believers. Amid chaos and loss, the faithful are to trust in God’s mercy, for He shortens suffering and upholds His chosen ones.
Reflection
In moments of crisis, we are reminded to cling not to possessions or security but to God’s promises. Faith in His providence sustains us when the world seems to crumble. The elect are not spared from trials but are preserved in faith through them. Every tribulation becomes a pathway to deeper trust in God’s saving power.
Prayer
Merciful Lord, strengthen us to remain faithful when trials surround us. Help us to find refuge not in worldly security but in Your abiding presence. Shorten the days of suffering for Your people and fill our hearts with courage and hope as we await Your deliverance. Amen.