From today’s Gospel, from St Luke: ‘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. Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;  there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences … ”’

St John Chrysostom explains: ‘For an earthquake is at one time a sign of wrath, as when our Lord was crucified the earth shook; but at another time it is a token of God’s providence, as when the Apostles were praying, the place was moved where they were assembled. … But He says, that the end of the city shall not come immediately, that is, the taking of Jerusalem, but there shall be many battles first’.

We are asked to stand firm; to find our stability in God, who will never forsake us. ‘The one who perseveres to the end will be saved’. May God bless you and keep you in His peace today.