11/16/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 21:5-19

5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said,
6 “All that you see here, the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
7 Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
8 He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!
9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
12 “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
13 It will lead to your giving testimony.
14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends and they will put some of you to death.
17 You will be hated by all because of my name,
18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
19 By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.”

11/16/2025 (Sunday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 21:5-19

In the Gospel passage above, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the destruction of the temple and the coming trials that will test their faith. The temple was magnificent. It was built with stones that reflected glory and grandeur. Yet Jesus reminded them that even such a beautiful structure would one day fall. His message wasn’t merely about the temple’s fate; it was about the impermanence of worldly things and the need to build our lives on what truly lasts—our faith in God.

In today’s world, many of us are drawn to things that sparkle such as success, possessions, fame, and comfort. We invest our energy in building careers, homes, and reputations. But Jesus warns us that all these can disappear in an instant. Just as wars, disasters, and persecution shook the disciples, our generation too faces its own turmoil like economic uncertainty, moral confusion, climate crises, and conflicts that divide families and nations. Yet amid all these, Jesus’ message remains the same: “Do not be terrified. Stand firm, and you will gain life.”

Faith is tested not in peaceful times, but in moments of crisis. The true strength of a believer is revealed when everything else collapses. Consider the story of a young nurse who worked tirelessly during the pandemic. Each day, she faced fear, exhaustion, and the possibility of infection. Many times, she felt like giving up. But her faith sustained her. She prayed before every shift, asking God to use her hands to heal and her heart to comfort. Though the world around her was filled with suffering, her peace came from trusting that God was still in control. Like the disciples, she learned that endurance is born not from strength alone, but from faith that never quits.

Jesus also reminded His followers that persecution and rejection would come, not as punishment, but as opportunities to bear witness. In modern times, this could mean standing up for what is right even when it’s unpopular. It could be choosing integrity in a corrupt workplace, kindness in a harsh world, or honesty in a culture of deceit. When we stand for truth and love despite opposition, we become living testimonies of God’s presence.

He also said, “Not a hair on your head will perish.” This does not mean we will never suffer physically, but that our souls, our eternal selves, are safe in God’s hands. It is a promise of divine protection amid worldly chaos. When we trust Him completely, fear loses its grip. Even when life feels uncertain, faith gives us courage to keep walking forward.

Imagine the many people who, despite losing jobs, homes, or loved ones, continue to live with gratitude and hope. Their resilience is proof that faith can survive any storm. They may not have all the answers, but they cling to the One who does. Their peace does not come from circumstances, but from the assurance that God never abandons His own.

Luke 21:5–19 calls us not to despair but to prepare—to strengthen our hearts for the trials that will come. Jesus does not promise a trouble-free life; He promises His presence in every trouble. He tells us to hold on, to persevere, and to trust that our endurance will not be in vain.

In the end, this passage is not about destruction; it’s about endurance. It’s not about fear, it’s about faith. When everything around us shakes, may our hearts remain steadfast. Let us build our lives not on temporary glory, but on eternal truth. For those who endure in faith will shine brighter than any temple, standing as living witnesses to the unshakable love of God that sustains, strengthens, and saves.

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