There are a number of things that we might prefer were not written in scripture. Surely Jesus’ warnings about what is coming are in that category. If they were not in scripture, it would be easier to pretend to ourselves that such things would never (could never) happen.
These things are not only likely to occur, but already have many many times in all manner of places. Each time they happen, we assure ourselves they must not be allowed to happen again. They do happen again.
We can be wilfully naïve about the realities of our shared human nature. Or we can consider ourselves appropriately warned. Warned not so as to create fear. Warned so as to enable resolve.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be aware of the realities and yet to resolve to be faithful to our calling. Naïvety might seem more comfortable. But it will crumble as surely as the temple did. Better to trust in the truth that will never crumble.
