While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “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.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “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.”
REFLECTION
‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ In the USA we just voted for President, the person who will lead our nation for the next four years. There were many other candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, local judges, and city officials running for election or reelection, also. Many of the candidates made commercials to explaining why they should be the choice and why their opponent should not be your choice.
The problem for the voters was who to believe. There are many ways to research information about the candidates' beliefs. One way is to look at their actions. Do their actions support their beliefs.
There were also debates, interviews, and candidate visits to neighborhoods to deliver their message. All of these were helpful in making the decision to vote for the best candidates.
Then the day came to discover the winners. How do we know if we should follow the winner? If you believe in the Constitution of the United States, then that is the guide to help us know if the leaders are living by the ideas on which our country was founded.
Jesus says that we must not be deceived. If we follow God's Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, then we will be able to discern who to follow and not be deceived.
Prayer, fasting, and receive the Sacraments, and listen to God’s Words will prepare us.
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