The gospel readings so far this week have been from Luke 21, a chapter that is prophetic, apocalyptic, and sometimes seen as Wisdom literature. The context is in the middle of the last week of Jesus’ life. As the disciples are admiring the Jerusalem Temple, Jesus tells them: “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6) Jesus offers a description of this time – a description that was the final verse of yesterday’s gospel: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” (vv.10-11) Continue reading →