WC 17/11 PERSEVERANCE

We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the

33rd SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

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GATHER

+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When have you felt like giving up?

When have you persevered?

What is worth persevering for?

WORD

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke: Glory to you O Lord.

At that time: While some were speaking of the Temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’

And they asked him, ‘Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?’ And he said, ‘See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am he!” and, “The time is at hand!” Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.’

Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it, therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and sisters, and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.’

The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSE

In this Gospel passage, Jesus addresses some of the greatest fears and anxieties his followers faced: war, destruction, persecution, illness, and being betrayed by their own friends and family. His followers were pointing out the grandeur of the Temple, and Jesus tells them that a time is coming when everything they rely on will be shaken. He is preparing them not for a comfortable life, but for a life that requires deep perseverance.

Jesus outlines a series of frightening and chaotic events: "nation will rise against nation... there will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues." Then he warns them directly: "They will lay hands on you and persecute you... you will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends." This is a stark warning that being a disciple is not always easy or popular.

But in the middle of these terrifying predictions, Jesus offers them hope by means of their perseverance:

Jesus concludes by saying: "By your endurance you will gain your lives." This is the ultimate hope. Perseverance is more than just gritting your teeth and getting through a difficult day; it is the spiritual strength that holds you firm to God and to your values when everything around you is trying to pull you away. When we persevere in faith, the Holy Spirit draws alongside us to strengthen and support us.

When you choose integrity over cheating, when you choose kindness over revenge, when you keep praying even when God feels far away - this is perseverance. It is this steadfastness, this refusal to abandon your faith when things are hard, that truly saves us. It is the practice of living as a child of God every single day, no matter the cost, knowing that in the end, nothing can truly separate you from His love.

How does Jesus’ message challenge or comfort you?

MISSION

Choose an area of your life where you are finding it difficult to persevere. For the next three days, commit to applying yourself to that challenge in a fresh way, asking God for the strength to persevere.

COLLECT

Let us pray…

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God,

the constant gladness of being devoted to you,

for it is full and lasting happiness

to serve with constancy

the author of all that is good.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen.