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.

“Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Peter: Phoebe, this weekend we’re going to my parents’ house; my mum’s not feeling too well, and I’m sure she’d be delighted if we brought the children over. What do you think?
Phoebe: Peter, to be honest, I don’t feel like going at all; I always feel judged by your parents—they’re constantly waiting to catch me out.
Peter: I understand, Phoebe, but they’re getting older and they need affection.
Phoebe: Yes, maybe, but your mum never seems to appreciate anything I do. I try to do everything with as much care as possible, but she always finds fault with everything.
Peter: Let’s go to the parish and bring this to prayer.
Phoebe: Well, I hope they don’t see us going into the church, because last time the comment was: “All that Mass and all that God, yet the children are neglected.”
Peter: Yes… we need a lot of prayer so that the Holy Spirit gives us the right words for them to see the greatness of the Faith we live.
Phoebe: Yes, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to show us what we should say and how we should act so that they may see God’s Love in our lives.
Oh! And forgive me; I know how much it hurts you when I speak this way about your parents. I didn’t mean to hurt you even more.
Peter: You’re forgiven, my dear wife. I caught you off guard, and I should have been more gentle. Let’s do our couple’s prayer and place everything at the Lord’s feet, and you will see how He brings good out of all of this.

Mother,

Help us to love those who do not love us and who do not love Your Son, just as You love us all as Your children. Thank you, Mother. Blessed be God!