“Look up and lift up your heads.” Lk. 21:20-28

The apocalyptic discourses collected in the Gospels reflect the fears and uncertainty of those first Christian communities, fragile and vulnerable, who lived in the midst of the vast Roman Empire, between conflicts and persecutions, with an uncertain future. Today’s story refers us to situations that are very similar: senseless death, poverty, migration, injustice, persecution. And this is how Jesus’ message makes perfect sense: “Be awake, asking for strength to escape all that is to come, and stand before the Son of Man.” “Live asking for strength.” The encounter with the Lord will be meaningful and liberating.