Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

As we approach the end of the Church Year, our readings take on an end-time tone and focus. When we hear this Sunday's Gospel with its doomsday language, it is easy to consider it a prediction of the future. But in reality the events described had actually taken place shortly before Luke's Gospel was written. With the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD it is easy to understand why Luke would put these words in the mouth of Jesus and call upon Christians, especially those who had fled subsequent persecution, to remain faithful. Each age faces its challenges. We may not be facing destruction from invading forces, but the call to be strong in the faith is given to us as well.