Gospel (Luke 21:5-19). We hear a prediction of the destruction of the temple, and are told of the situation of Christians in a time of trial. As the liturgical year draws to a close, the focus is on the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ. The prophet Malachi (First Reading) says that for evildoers the Day of the lord will be a day of judgement; but for the upright it will be a day of salvation. His stark message was meant to act as a warning to sinners and as an encouragement to the just. The Second Reading relates to the Second Coming. Some of the Thessalonians, believing that the Parousia was imminent, saw no need to work. Presenting himself as an example, Paul tells them to go on living and working as normal, and not to be content to live off the community. Luke talks about the Parousia in close association with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The destruction of the Temple, which Jesus had predicted, had already occurred by the time Luke was writing. This would have been interpreted by some as a sign that the end of the world was starting. Luke reminds them of the words of Jesus, in which he warned his disciples not to be deceived by rumours and apparent signs that the end was near. The Gospel goes on to address the situation of Christians in a time of persecution. Persecution will be an opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel. The Lord himself will see to it that believers will triumph in the end, provided they remain steadfast.