Gospel

Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated
to God, he said, 6'As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon
another; all will be thrown down.' 7They asked him, 'Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that
this is about to take place?' 8And he said, 'Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name
and say, "I am he!" and, "The time is near!" Do not go after them. 9'When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.' 10Then he
said to them, 'Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great
earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs
from heaven. 12'But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to
synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This
will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance;
15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.
16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you
to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your
endurance you will gain your souls.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.