Such things must happen first

The news has been very bad lately: as the world shudders into what appears to be an historic economic downturn.

The Good News today may not seem very comforting either: both of today’s readings being full of apocalyptic prophecies of terror.

But in the midst of today’s Gospel (Luke 21:5-11), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says this:

Do not be terrified;
for such things must happen first.

Bad things happen and bad things will happen, but God is the Lord and his omnipotent will is directed toward the salvation of his faithful ones – no matter what.