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     Jerusalem is a city held sacred by Christians, Jews and Moslems!  In Jesus' day, it was the center of Jewish worship and the temple, because of Herod's renovation, was an object of pride and wonder.  The scene in today's gospel takes place after Jesus has entered Jerusalem at the end of his long journey, and perhaps some of his Galilean disciples were gawking at the sight - maybe listening to local folks talk about the temple with pride and wonder!  Needless to say, Jesus gives them something to think about when he predicts the destruction not only of the temple but of Jerusalem!  Rather he challenges the disciples to focus their faith not geographically on Jerusalem or on the temple, but on him!

 

     By the time the Gospel of Luke was composed, the temple had been destroyed and the early Christian community was already under persecution.  Much of today's gospel describes what was going on at the time and recalling what Jesus had said  Those who are fond of looking for signs of Jesus' second coming are always going to find examples going on.  The terrible tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was an example, and no doubt some might see the recent storm that devastated the Philippines as another.  But again, the focus is not on the "signs" but on the Lord who will come "in majesty and great glory."  This is what we must await and what must motivate us to persevere in faith no matter what.  The example given by Jesus of being betrayed by parents, relatives and friends is particularly painful.  Yet, those who would read the gospel when it was newly circulating had already experienced this!

 

     Keeping our focus on Jesus and not on any physical or natural sign gives us the proper perspective.  We can live without St. Peter's in Rome, but we cannot live without Jesus!   AMEN