November 16, 2025
Luke 21: 5-19
The four verses preceding this biblical passage present the widow who gives all she has as an offering to the Lord and this act catches Jesus’ attention. Then you can hear the comments of admiration about the temple with its beautiful stones. This contrast of reality strikes me in the sense of how easily we can lose focus of interest on what is really valuable. It is not a demerit to admire the external beauty of things, but this is not the call that God makes to us.
Luke uses apocalyptic literature with disturbing imagery to ensure that the faithful maintain their trust in God even in the most difficult circumstances. In fact, in describing the terrible events, Jesus tells us not to be afraid during these crucial moments in life, Jesus asks us to remain firm and serene, but to be careful not to fall into indifference in front of our brothers and sisters who need our help.
What Jesus reminds us is that when hard things overtake us, we should not be afraid or follow anyone who proclaims that these are signs of God’s judgment and the end of the world. Instead, we must trust that God remains present in our lives.
This is a passage based on hope: the hope that God remains present in the world and in one’s life, even when things have gotten so bad that it seems like the world is coming down on us. Courage, let’s not be discouraged.
Luke 21: 5-19
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “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.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
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! 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.”
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
“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. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sr. Juana Jaqueline Castillo-Salvador, SNDdeN
