Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Tim
Luke 21:12-19
Perseverance in the midst of trials

In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues His discourse about the signs of the times. He speaks frankly of persecution, betrayal, and suffering. Yet His message is not one of fear, but of courage and trust.

Jesus tells His disciples that following Him will bring trials — even from those closest to them. “You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.” These words might sound harsh, but they come with a deeper assurance: “Not a hair of your head will be lost.” What seems like a contradiction is, in fact, the mystery of faith — that even in suffering, God’s hand never lets go of us.

Persecution, Jesus says, will be our opportunity to bear witness. When faith costs us something — when speaking the truth isolates us, or when choosing compassion over convenience becomes difficult — that is precisely when our witness shines brightest. It is in the darkness that light becomes visible.

Jesus also promises His presence in our trials: “I myself shall give you a mouth and wisdom.” We are not left alone to defend ourselves. The Spirit of God speaks through our words and sustains us when human strength fails.

To the early Christians who faced imprisonment and death, these words were a lifeline of hope. And they remain so for us today. The trials we face may not be as dramatic, but they test our perseverance just the same — the slow endurance of faith in a world that often forgets God.

“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” This is the heart of Christian discipleship: to keep trusting, loving, and hoping — even when the world trembles — knowing that Christ has already conquered.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025