28 November.  In very recent times there have been many of the events that Jesus mentioned when he spoke of the end times.  Earthquakes, fires, famines and disease have come and there is a constant state of war somewhere in the world.  But these things have also been happening for the last 2000 years and people have always debated whether the end is near.  What is becoming more marked today is a greater awareness of how we, humankind, are contributing to these events, the breakdown of relationships and in particular the destruction of our environment.  Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical LAUDATO SI calls on us to look forward and protect our environment, THE WORLD OUR HOME, a call now reinforced through his LAUDATE DEUM and irrespective of how long it will remain our home, before the 2nd Coming.  

Reflect, share, Scripture.   “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.” Luke 21:5-11 Pope Francis:  We are far from the so-called end of history since the conditions for a sustainable and peaceful development have not yet been adequately articulated and realised.  EG 59   The growth of the past two centuries has not always led to an integral development and an improvement in the quality of life.   some signs are symptomatic of real social decline, the silent rupture of the bonds of integration and social cohesion. LS 46.  Action and prayer: Remember in prayer the needs of those we have loved and lost, especially all those killed in wars at this time and those affected by gender based violence.