Before we start a new liturgical year, the readings for this week, beginning today, are again about the end of time.

Jesus predicts not only his passion, death, and resurrection, but also the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem and the end of time.

He foresees that no stone will be left upon another stone in the Temple. This may be an exaggeration. It was not totally destroyed as the Western Wall with its massive stones still stands today.

To have a good ending, Jesus warns his listeners against being misled by people who pretend they know when it happens. Rather, they must be able to interpret the “signs of the times,” like wars, disasters, and the like. We, Christians, must be discerning. Let us support one another in times of confusion.

Let us not entertain people who do not love Jesus or who do not belong to our community. They might be paid false prophets, false teachers, trollers, propagandists, apologists, scammers, and bad influencers. They can be AI programmed by misguided digital programmers.

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.”