November 13, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mal 3:19-20a, 2 Thes 3:7-12 and Luke 21: 5-19
“Not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Wow! What a most reassuring promise clearly proclaimed in the Gospel today. This surpasses any claim or promise made even by multi-awarded advertisements. Definitely no politician’s promise comes close to it. Not even a lover’s sweet words could.
The first reading also affirms this: But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.
It is not only reassuring. It is true. It is real.
But only if we believe. Not even such a beautiful promise would pacify an unbelieving heart.
Before my brain surgery in June this year, I was in Mindanao doing mission. During one of our "Love the Poor" outreach, I shared about my surgery. After my talk, an old woman approached me and asked why I didn’t look worried at all. I told her that my only worry is how to pay the expenses. But even that, I entrusted to the Lord.
When I was wheeled to the operating room, I had full trust that the Lord would be in control. Indeed, He was. Even my hospital bills were taken care of.
There are many reasons to be afraid of. What with the proliferation of crimes and scams, the growing cases of diseases and economic crisis. But more alarming is evil lurking in every nook disguised as good and desirable ready to cancel every act of charity.
But then again, these can only shake a weak heart – a heart not anchored on Jesus. Yes, an unfaithful heart is a weak heart. A heart that does not persevere is a fearful heart.
On the other hand, the Lord assures that those who persevere, that those who sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom will secure their lives. Those who are too busy securing their lives on earth will lose their lives.
What are you busy with? What do you persevere for? May we take much consolation in God’s promise that as long as we persevere and remain faithful in our mission, He is in charge. We have nothing to worry about.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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