Though Jesus is speaking about the end of time, the end of this world as we know it, nevertheless, his words apply, more than ever, to our present reality. The rise of more virulent terrorism means that none of us can really enjoy the safety which we need to live in peace. This peaceful safety is a right and gift that we have taken for granted and perhaps not appreciated enough. "Pray constantly for the strength to escape whatever is in prospect," Jesus tells us. While Jesus said these words in a particular context, they are a valid prayer for every day of our lives. The virtue of hope and courage is associated with strength as perhaps its most conscious spiritual counterpart. In this last week of the liturgical year we read passages of Scripture which in many different ways remind us that "we have here no lasting city" Heb 13:14]. Advent will teach us to face this reality in Jesus, who is our only enduring hope.