💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 25 💖

First Reading - Daniel 2:31-45 

Gospel - Luke 21:5-11

There are moments when the world around us feels shaky—when the things we thought were solid begin to crumble, when the structures we relied on show their limits. In today’s readings, God invites us to see beyond what is temporary and to anchor our lives in what cannot be shaken.

In the first reading, Daniel interprets a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar—a dream of a great statue made of various materials. It looks impressive, strong, and unbreakable. But a small stone, not carved by human hands, strikes it and brings it crashing down. The message is clear: every earthly kingdom, no matter how powerful or dazzling, eventually passes away. Only God’s kingdom endures. The stone becomes a mountain, filling the whole earth. It is a reminder that God’s work often begins quietly, humbly, but ultimately transforms everything.

Then in the Gospel, Jesus speaks to those admiring the beauty of the Temple. It was one of the grandest structures of its time, a symbol of stability and pride. But Jesus tells them that even this magnificent building will fall. Their world, as they knew it, would be shaken. He speaks of turmoil, conflict, and fear—not to frighten them, but to teach them not to place their trust in what does not last. In the midst of upheaval, Jesus calls them to stay awake, stay faithful, and stay grounded in Him.

Dear friends, everything earthly is temporary, but God’s kingdom is unshakeable. And that truth is not meant to discourage us—it is meant to free us.

We know from our own lives how quickly things can change. Jobs, plans, relationships, routines, health, security—none of these are guaranteed forever. Even things that seem strong can crumble. When that happens, we can feel afraid or uncertain, just like the people listening to Jesus.

But God invites us to shift our trust from what is unstable to what is eternal. The kingdoms of the world may rise and fall, but God's kingdom stands firm. The structures we depend on may shake, but His presence remains steady. And just like the small stone in Daniel’s vision, God often works quietly—through small beginnings, through humility, through simple faith—yet His work endures.

So today, we might ask:

Where do I place my trust?

Am I relying on something that cannot last?

What “stones” is God placing in my life that He wants to grow into something strong and life-giving?

The promise woven through both readings is this: when the world feels uncertain, God is not. When everything else shifts, His kingdom does not. And when our lives feel fragile, His hands are still firm.

May we anchor ourselves not in passing things, but in the God whose kingdom lasts forever—and who invites us to be part of that kingdom each day, with faith, with courage, and with trust.