November 16, 2025 - 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As we near the end of the liturgical year, the Church invites us to lift our eyes to the horizon of history — to the fulfillment of all things in Christ. The tone of today’s readings is urgent but hopeful. They remind us that while the world as we know it passes away, God’s plan of salvation endures forever.

In the first reading, the prophet Malachi warns of a coming “day of the Lord” — a day that will bring judgment upon the proud and healing for those who revere God’s name. The image of the “sun of justice with its healing rays” offers hope: even amid fire and trial, God’s light rises for the faithful.

St. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, gives practical instruction for living in the “meantime.” Some believers, convinced that the end was imminent, had stopped working and grown idle. Paul reminds them that discipleship is not an escape from the world but a transformation of it. Faithful perseverance means continuing to work, pray, and serve, even when the final outcome lies beyond our sight.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks frankly about the destruction of the Temple and the trials that will come — wars, earthquakes, persecution. Yet He also says, “Do not be terrified.” The promise is not that disciples will avoid suffering, but that they will not face it alone. “I myself shall give you wisdom in speaking,” He says, “and by your perseverance you will secure your lives.” The message is clear: Christian hope is not optimism that things will always go smoothly, but trust that God remains faithful through every upheaval. The world may shake, but the foundation of faith holds firm. As we approach the end of the liturgical year, we are reminded that perseverance, fidelity, and trust in Christ are our surest path to peace.

Let us continue to live faithfully, work diligently, and witness courageously — confident that the “sun of justice” still rises for those who keep their eyes on the Lord.

God bless everyone always!!!

Fr. Stan