And Jesus said, “Nations will fight each other and kingdom will oppose kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and plagues; in many places strange and terrifying signs from heaven will be seen. Before all these things happen, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you; you will be delivered to the synagogues and put in prison, and for my sake you will be brought before kings and governors. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.
     So keep this in mind: do not worry in advance about what to say, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
    You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. But even though, because of my name, you will be hated by everyone, not a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will save your souls.

REFLECTION:
READ: The end is not so soon.
REFLECT: When some religious fanatics announce the imminent end of the world (again!), we should not lose our cool. The best way to be prepared for such an eventuality is to quietly try to please God in all things.
PRAY: Let us ask the Lord to deepen our trust in him. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future in his tender hands.
ACT: Today let us celebrate the present moment with a special gratitude.