11/26/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:
12 “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.”

11/26/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 21:12-19

In this Gospel reading, Jesus prepares His followers for a reality that many would rather avoid: being opposed, rejected, and even attacked because of their faith. He does not paint a picture of an easy road, free from conflict or difficulty. Instead, He acknowledges that standing with God in a world that often rejects Him can bring suffering. Yet He also speaks with deep courage and hope, reminding His followers that persecution is not the end of the story. Between the pain and the promise lies a powerful call: perseverance.

Persecution has been part of the Christian story from the beginning. The early believers faced imprisonment, accusations, and misunderstanding, not because they did wrong, but because they chose to stand for what is right. Their lives became testimonies of courage, integrity, and unwavering devotion. They did not give up their faith, even when the world gave them every reason to surrender.

In our time, persecution may look different. In some parts of the world, believers still face violence and imprisonment. But even in places without physical danger, persecution takes on more subtle forms. A young student who refuses to cheat in exams may be mocked by classmates. An employee who chooses honesty in a corrupt workplace may be pressured, sidelined, or ridiculed. A person who speaks for justice may be attacked online, questioned, or misunderstood. A Christian who chooses purity, forgiveness, or compassion may be labeled weak or old-fashioned. Faithfulness still has a cost.

Jesus teaches us that these moments of opposition are not signs of defeat but opportunities for witness. When we are challenged because of our principles, our responses speak louder than any sermon. When we choose kindness instead of revenge, God’s character is revealed in us. When we continue to hope in dark circumstances, the world sees that we serve a God who strengthens hearts.

This is where perseverance becomes essential. Perseverance is not passive waiting. It is active faithfulness. It is holding on to God even when the world pushes against us. It is showing up in prayer even when we feel discouraged. It is continuing to do good even when results seem distant. It is choosing to love even when love is not returned.

A man facing false accusations remains calm and respectful, trusting that truth will prevail.
A mother raising her children in faith continues guiding them with patience, even when society pulls them in the opposite direction.
A missionary in a difficult country continues serving quietly, believing that every small act of love is a seed planted in God’s field.

These lives preach without using words. They show that perseverance is the bridge between pain and promise.
And then comes the beautiful assurance: God never abandons His faithful ones. Jesus promises that not a single trial is wasted. Nothing we suffer for His sake goes unnoticed. Even when we feel surrounded, God is with us. He strengthens us, gives wisdom when we do not know what to say, and protects us even in the fiercest storm.

This assurance does not mean we avoid difficulties—it means we are never alone in them. The flames that were meant to destroy often refine us. The wounds that come from standing for Christ can become testimonies that inspire others. The trials that shake us can deepen our roots in God.

The promise is not that life will be easy, but that faithfulness leads to victory. It is not worldly victory, measured by applause or comfort, but a deeper triumph: a stronger character, a purified heart, an unshakeable relationship with God, and eternal life.

So when persecution comes, do not fear. When opposition rises, stand firm. When the world pushes against your faith, remember:
* Perseverance keeps your eyes on God, not the storm.
* Opposition can become a platform for witness.
* God’s promise is stronger than every threat.

In every trial, God is shaping your soul, strengthening your resolve, and leading you toward a future filled with His presence. And in the end, those who remain faithful receive a crown that the world can neither give nor take away.

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