November 16, 2025 | 6:00am
In our Gospel today (Luke 21:5–19), Jesus noticed how people were awestruck by the temple’s grandeur and its adornments. And so he prophesied: “The days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
“What a buzzkill,” some might have muttered. But I don’t think Jesus was being a “nega star” (apologies to Sharon Cuneta). He was reminding them of a deeper truth: Nothing in this world lasts forever.
If nothing on this earth endures, then what really matters?
Nations will fall; kingdoms will crumble. As the liturgical year draws to a close, our Gospel readings are haunted by the theme of the end. Why? Because it is fitting, at the year’s end, to be reminded that all earthly things will eventually end.
If nothing on this earth endures, then what really matters?
Perhaps Jesus hoped that his disciples would raise that question. Instead they asked: “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” This seemed to be what mattered to them.
Jesus talked about earthquakes, famines and plagues, but he was also quick to add that “it will not immediately be the end.” Jesus didn’t really answer their questions. Perhaps this was Jesus’ way of telling them that their concern was misplaced. Knowing what will happen is not what matters.
Jesus then declared, “[This] will lead to your giving testimony.” Perhaps, for Jesus, this is what matters – not when calamities strike but how you respond, the witness you bear when the road grows rough.
A grandmother I know often repeats this strange statement, “I praise God even when my children and grandchildren go through tough times.” Those who hear this for the first time ask her why. “Because it is in the face of difficulty that their characters will be revealed. In bad times, they will learn what matters.”
If nothing on this earth endures, then what really matters?
At the end of our Gospel today, Jesus proclaimed, “By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.” Take note: Jesus didn’t say, “By your knowledge,” or “By your success.” He said, “By your perseverance.” Even when you don’t know what’s happening. Even when you sometimes make mistakes and stumble. As long as you pick yourself up and try again. Perhaps this is what matters—perseverance.
The Greek word translated as perseverance is hypomone. Hypo means under; mone means to remain. To persevere then is to remain under—not over. To hang on when you are not in control. To stay when everything in you wants to run away. To wait with patient trust. To remain under is not only to obey the Lord, but also to remain under his protection.
It is easy to remain when life is flourishing or when all seems secure. But true faith is revealed when everything collapses and the certainties we cling to crumble. When the business falters. When the relationship freezes. When what we thought was God’s plan for us falls apart. When the challenges come, can you persevere?
Last week, we reflected on zeal. Can you persevere not only with clenched fists and through gritted teeth? Can you also persevere with zeal?
In our First Reading today (Malachi 3:19-20a), we are warned about the day when a blaze will reduce all the proud and all the evildoers to stubble. The fire will come, but for those who have faith and remain, the sun of justice will arise with its healing rays. Those who persevere will not only feel the heat but will also see the light.
Your prayer assignment this week:
Shortly after Lorena and Shawn Simpson welcomed their daughter Alex in 2005, their joy was pierced by fear. Doctors told them their baby was born without a brain. Medical experts predicted that, at most, Alex would have four years to live.
A few days ago, Alex celebrated her twentieth birthday. How did Alex get to this point? Watch her family’s answer here:
Almost in unison, her parents revealed the secret, “Love.” I would add, “Love that perseveres—hypomone.” Their persevering love did not take away the suffering. But it transformed it. By their perseverance, this mother and father secured not only their lives but their daughter’s as well.
What would you do if you were in their place?
Where in your life is Jesus inviting you to remain under, to patiently trust and to lovingly persevere?
Fr. Francis teaches Theology, Education and Scripture at both the Ateneo de Manila University and Loyola School of Theology. As a classroom teacher, he is first and foremost a student. As a professor, he sees himself primarily as a pastor.