Our readings for the week, especially the Old Testament reading from Malachi and the Gospel reading from Luke, are focused on the end times. That's no accident; we're nearing the end of the church year, and so our attention turns to the end of time. Jesus' words sound terrifying, but there is hope in them: Even in the midst of insanity and craziness, God gives us opportunities to bear witness. So "straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
