Since the pandemic, some Christians have seriously gone on to study the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Why? They see the pandemic as one sign of the "End Times'' - generally understood as the period preceding Jesus' Second Coming. Should we be so concerned about the "End Times''?

The Gospel reading begins with some people making comments about the Temple in Jerusalem - which in the ancient world was a magnificent building (in fact, its rebuilding programme lasted from 20 B.C. until A.D. 63-64). However, Jesus comments (c. A.D. 33), "All these things you are staring at now - the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed'' (Lk 21:6). And it was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70.

The people had asked Jesus, "when will this happen ... what sign will there be ...?'' (Lk 21:7). To this, Jesus answered them "do not be deceived''; do not join in with the messianic pretenders (v 8); and "do not be frightened'' (v 9).

How about us? How do we feel about "the end''? About the political, ecological and cosmic chaos that will take place before "the end''? Will we, too, be studying Revelation nervously, anxiously?

As God's beloved, let us - be conscious and discerning about what is happening around us; understand that even as believers, we will still experience tough times; and continually witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ (Lk 21:12-15).