From our Gospel reading for today: ‘And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?” And he said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”’

There are some who feel that the pandemic has brought us into a kind of ‘end-time’. Whether or not this is true, the message remains – that we should not let ourselves be led astray, going after false promises of relief. It is said elsewhere that we should persevere in our faith, standing firm in Christ, knowing that His love and mercy will never end. May God bless you and keep you firm in faith, and stay close to you this day.