today's other readings are Philemon 7-20, Psalm 146
Today the universal church celebrates the 5th century Pope, St. Leo the Great, who amongst the many accomplishments of his papacy, became quite famous for trying to protect the City of Rome from invading forces, including convincing Attila the Hun not to sack and destroy the city. Such courage won him much respect, even amongst his foes.
Many saints and heroes like St. Leo have stood in the breach to urge nonviolent transition rather than open conflict as the best way to advance history.
Jesus announced the coming of the Kingdom of God during a dark period of human history, when conquest and oppression were the rule of much of the world of 2000 years ago. He proclaimed the mystery that the coming of the Kingdom of God began in one's heart, inspiring lives that demonstrate the power of love and truth to transform society. The resurrection of Jesus affirmed the ultimate victory of life over death, hope over fear, justice over force.
The coming of the Kingdom of God and the end times that Jesus speaks of is not meant to inspire fear, but hope in the heart of every believer, for then love and truth will completely prevail.