As we begin a new season we begin the Church's new year. We begin by looking forward. This Sunday's Gospel reading, from St. Luke as this will be the Year of Luke, we hear something with an echo of a fortnight ago. Luke 21:25 - 36 has a similar theme and feel to Mark 13: 1 - 8. But today's reading has a message of hope, “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near”. Jesus tells us to, “be alert” as we look forward with expectation.