First Reading - Malachi 3:19-20
Second Reading - 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel - Luke 21:5-19
Malachi describes a day of judgment, a day that will expose what is real and what is false. For the arrogant and wicked, it will be a day of burning; but for those who fear the Lord, it will be a day of rising hope, a day when the “sun of righteousness” will shine with healing. This contrast teaches us something important: the same world events that unsettle others can strengthen the faithful. When we cling to God, we are not destroyed by the fire — we are purified by it.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, adds a very practical dimension. The Thessalonians were becoming restless, anxious about the end times, and some had even stopped working. Paul reminds them: Do not grow idle. A Christian does not abandon daily responsibilities just because the world feels uncertain. Instead, the Christian shows stability by living responsibly, working diligently, and setting a good example. Faith is not an escape from the world; it is the strength to live in the world with purpose.
The Gospel completes the message. Jesus speaks of wars, earthquakes, and persecutions — the kind of events that make people afraid or confused. But He tells His disciples not to panic. These things are not signs of God’s absence but moments to deepen trust. Jesus promises that when believers face difficulties or opposition, He Himself will give them wisdom and courage. Even when the world shakes, the disciple stands firm because God stands with them. The final reassurance is powerful: “Not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will save your lives.”
Dear friends, we remain steady in faith. When the world becomes noisy with fear or confusion, we anchor ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. We hold onto God’s promises even when emotions fluctuate.
We remain steady in our duties. Like Paul teaches, we continue doing good work — in our families, workplaces, and communities. A steady life becomes a witness of peace in a restless world.
We remain steady in witness. When others panic, complain, or lose hope, the Christian responds with calm, compassion, and courage. Our perseverance becomes a sign that God is real and active.
The world will always have uncertainties — but the disciple is called to constancy. God does not promise a life without trials; He promises a love that carries us through them. And when we endure with faith, we don’t merely survive — we shine, like the sun of righteousness rising with healing in its rays.
May we live each day with that steady endurance that flows from trusting in God, who never abandons His own.
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