NOTES for Mar 13:19
Christ warned us in advance about the calamities that precede His return. About calamities that we ourselves provoke by our deeds. On learning of the reckoning, one can drop one's hands in despair, but it is better to gather oneself inwardly and turn to the One who saves.
The Lord has already shortened those days for the sake of the elect. Ten righteous people were not found in Sodom, but in a world that has surpassed Sodom, Christ has called many pure souls who, unnoticed by those around them, prevent the final catastrophe from taking place.
The forces of evil understand this too, and in the days of tribulation, "such as has not been from the beginning of creation," they will once again try to neutralize the healing leaven. They will try the old method: sending false christs and false prophets who perform lying signs and wonders. Well, there are already many such people in our time. And though we do not know the day and hour of the final battle, the One who warned us beforehand has called us to be ready every day. As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed; may we not drop the weapon of faith and faithfulness to Christ, nor cast it aside to gather dust.
Lord, grant us discernment of spirits! Amen.