How should we react to the warnings in today's readings? On the one hand, we must listen carefully to what Jesus is saying. There will be an end to all things; nothing created will last forever. On the other hand, we are not to be surprised or panic when there is widespread hostility to our Christian faith (a growing phenomenon in our day). As long as Christianity remains steadfast to its faith in God, to seeking the truth, to human compassion and justice, it cannot disappear. And it is to these things that we are to bear witness. It requires a great inner strength, courage and conviction to put truth, love, justice and solidarity with all above one's own immediate world. The end of the world that is our universe may be from all the evidence still far away. Yet, there is another end we all have to face and which is totally outside our control: the end of our bodily life here. Are we ready for that? There is only one effective way to prepare: to live each day fully in the company of Jesus. We do not prepare for the end by guaranteeing our future (we can't) but by living fully with God and for God at every moment of every day. Then, no matter when Jesus comes to take us to himself, we will be more than ready. We will meet not as strangers but as dear and intimate friends who know each other well.