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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

THE THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Gospel Reading 

Luke 21:5-19

Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

and warns his followers that persecution will come before the end time.

Background on the Gospel Reading

In the context of Luke, today's Gospel appears near the end of Jesus' teaching in Jerusalem, just prior to the events that will lead to his crucifixion. His warnings      and predictions are ominous but can be read in many ways.

To those who first heard Luke's Gospel, those may have been words of encourage-ment. The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans was history          (70 A.D.); Luke's Gospel, Catholic scholars propose, was written between 80 and      90 A.D. His audience was probably Gentile Christians. Luke here tries to interpret    the fall of Jerusalem for them and to locate it in God's plans for humankind  (salvation history). At the same time, Luke is suggesting to his audience that there will be a considerable elapse of time before Jesus' final coming. Luke's listeners  have likely seen much upheaval and are anxious to know if these are the signs of Jesus' coming. Luke is urging greater patience.

In the second part of today's Gospel, Jesus warns that his followers will face persecution for their beliefs. Luke presents persecution as an opportunity for            the followers of Jesus for “It will lead to your giving testimony” (Luke 21:13).              In persecution God's wisdom and power will be shown in the example of followers    of Jesus. Perseverance in the face of persecution will lead to their salvation.

Here Jesus is assuring his followers that God is present to all believers, even              in times of trouble. Ultimately, Jesus will witness to this with his own death.              As disciples of Jesus, we try to follow his example, trusting in God's mercy              and protection, even when we are facing difficulties.

Family Connection

Children, while innocently naïve about most world events, are also profoundly sensitive to the concerns felt by adults. We can help children interpret adult    concerns by sharing information about current events in appropriate ways. We        can also put these concerns in the light of God's kingdom and the assurance of  God's care for us.

Discuss with your children one or more current events or a situation in your family which shows difficulties that may challenge our trust in a God who cares for us.    Then read together today's Gospel, Luke 21:5-19. Notice how Jesus said that even when his disciples are persecuted, God would be with them.

Together with your children, talk about ways in which God might bring good out of  the difficult events you discussed. Talk together about some actions you might take as a family to make better the situations you discussed. Conclude by praying for the needs of the people involved in the events you named. In prayer, place each of these difficult situations into God's hands.