The "little apocalypse" of Mark offers a word of hope to people facing the reality of destruction and violence. In his words of expectation, he reminds us that God has such confidence in our better natures that it is to us God has entrusted the care of the earth and God's house and children. When we are faced with losing what we have, we have choices: take from those who are weaker than us, or reach out to lift them up.