November 17, 2019 Sunday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time-C

Malachi 3:19-20

Psalm 98

2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Luke 21:5-19

“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”  Lk. 21:19

Lord, after your travel throughout Israel you have finally entered Jerusalem.  The city has been your journey’s end for a while.  Your teaching continues as you approach your destiny: the cross.  Your gospel today is a warning to your followers of what will come.  They will experience persecution, natural disasters, family betrayal and temptations to give up.  But you assure them and us that you will be present in their adversity.  The message is clear: we cannot find lasting security or happiness in the things, people or events of this world.  Lord, you prepare us for the end of our earthly lives with assurances that if we stay faithful to you we will find the security that will never end.  You experienced temptation, persecution, betrayal, misunderstanding and even death due to your solid commitment to obedience to your Father.  Should we, your followers, expect anything less?   You frequently urge us to stay the course and remain faithful regardless of the consequences.  Lord, when times get tough and I want to look to the things of this world for comfort and security remind me the only sure thing is your love.  Amen.