42
As the one who gives birth hastens to escape the distress of giving birth, so these also hasten to give back those things that were entrusted to them from the beginning.
43
Then you will be shown the things you want to see."
44
I answered, "If I have found favor with you, if it is possible, if I am worthy,
45
show me this also, whether there is more time yet to come than has past or whether the greater times have passed over us,
46
for I know what has passed, but I don't know what is to come."
47
He answered me: "Stand off to the right, and I will show you the interpretation of a parable."
48
I stood aside and looked, and right there a burning furnace passed before me, and when the flame had passed, I looked and the smoke remained.
49
And after this a cloud full of water passed before me, and it poured down much rain with force, and when the rainstorm had passed there remained drops in the cloud.
50
He said to me, "Consider for yourself: as the rain is greater than the drops and the fire is greater than the smoke, so the measure that has passed is greater, but drops and smoke remain."
51
I prayed and said, "Do you think I will live until those days? Who will be alive in those days?"
52
He answered me: "I can tell you in part concerning the signs you ask about, but about your own life I'm not sent to tell you. I don't know.