When the people commented on the beauty of the Jerusalem Temple, the Lord made the chilling prophecy that "the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed" (Lk 21:6). This incident was historically proven when, in 70 CE, the Roman legions under the command of Emperor Titus besieged and destroyed the city alongside the Temple.

But the point was not the destruction of what the Jews thought would be an eternal symbol of God's presence in their midst. What Jesus was trying to tell them was their need to focus on the real presence of God in the person of the long-awaited Messiah Who stood right there in their midst! For, the Lord warned, there will be many claims to that name accompanied by the onset of wars and revolutions as well as other frightening natural calamities, including "fearful sights and great signs from heaven" (Lk 5:11). These should not distract believers from holding on to their faith of being saved by the One Who gave His life as a ransom for many. Instead of despairing, they look forward to the day when evil will finally be overcome and all are justified in God. As we witness in our own time, all the signs of the end times, we are not terrified, but instead, take comfort in the assurance of the Lord that our liberation is near at hand (cf Lk 21:28)