Stand Firm. Your Redemption Is Near.
We are now at the very end of the liturgical year. Next week is Christ the King, then Advent begins. So, the Church gives us readings today that speak about the end times, perseverance, and living faithfully in a troubled world.
The message of today’s liturgy is simple and powerful:
👉 Do not be afraid.
Stand firm.
God will never abandon His people.
1. The Shock of the Gospel
In the Gospel (Luke 21:5-19), Jesus’ disciples are admiring the beauty of the Temple—one of the most magnificent buildings of ancient times. But Jesus says:
“All these things you see… not one stone will be left upon another.”
In other words:
Do not put your trust in the things that fade:
buildings, possessions, power, success.
Only God’s kingdom endures forever.
This is a reminder to us:
- Everything material eventually collapses.
- Nothing earthly lasts forever.
- Only our relationship with God is eternal.
2. The Signs of the Times
Jesus lists several things:
- Wars
- Nations rising against nations
- Earthquakes
- Famines
- Plagues
- False prophets
- Persecutions
- Hatred
- Betrayal, even by family and friends
These are not meant to frighten us.
They are meant to wake us up.
Every age in history has had wars, disasters, violence, and division.
We live in such a world too:
- economic hardship
- insecurity
- political instability
- moral confusion
- fear and anxiety
- breakdown of family values
These are signs that remind us:
This world is not our final home.
And even when things are shaking, God remains unshaken.
3. Perseverance Is the Real Message
Jesus says something extremely important:
“Do not be terrified.”
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
In other words:
👉 In troubled times: trust Me.
👉 When things fall apart: hold on to Me.
👉 When your faith is tested: do not give up.
God does not promise a life without problems.
But He promises:
- strength
- grace
- protection
- salvation
- and His presence in every trial
4. The Christian Response to Hard Times
When the world becomes unstable, Jesus calls us to three things:
a. Faithfulness
Stay faithful in prayer, sacraments, and holiness—even when it is hard.
b. Courage
Christians must not panic or lose hope.
Fear is never from God.
c. Perseverance
This is the heart of today’s Gospel.
Perseverance means:
- staying with God even when prayers seem unanswered
- choosing righteousness even when others choose sin
- being honest in a dishonest society
- being peaceful in a violent world
- being hopeful in a world full of despair
- continuing to love even when love is difficult
5. God Is With Us in the Fire
Jesus tells us:
“I myself will give you a wisdom in speaking
that none of your adversaries can contradict.”
This means:
- When you are attacked—God will defend you.
- When you are confused—God will guide you.
- When you are weak—God will strengthen you.
Not a single hair of your head will perish unless God permits it.
We are always in His hands.
6. The Message of the First Reading (Malachi 3:19–20)
Malachi speaks of a coming day:
- for the proud and wicked: a day of judgment
- for the faithful: “the sun of righteousness will shine with healing in its wings.”
For those who stay faithful, God Himself becomes their healing, joy, and victory.
7. The Message of the Second Reading (2 Thess 3:7–12)
St. Paul encourages us to live responsibly, work honestly, and avoid idleness.
Even in difficult times, Christians must be:
- disciplined
- hardworking
- examples of integrity
God expects us to be responsible, not careless or lazy.
Conclusion
As the liturgical year ends, the Church invites us to reflect:
- What is my faith like in difficult times?
- Do I panic or do I trust?
- Is my hope rooted in Christ or in the world?
- Do I persevere in prayer, holiness, and love?
Jesus assures us:
“Do not be afraid…
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
May God give us the grace to remain faithful
so that when the world shakes,
we may stand firm with Christ—
our rock, our hope, and our salvation.
Amen.