TOPIC:
PERSEVERANCE
33C Sunday Homily, Luke 21:5-19,
November 13, 2022
1) STORY
As John went to work in the morning, he
said to his wife he would see her in the evening. Little did he know that this would not happen.
He and 33 co-workers descended 700
meters into a copper mine in Chile where they worked. On that fatal day in 2010, a section of the
mine caved in cutting off their only exit. Thus began a 69-day ordeal living in the mine
not knowing if they would ever return alive. Thanks to the efforts of the rescue team who
worked day and night, a hole was dug into the mine which allowed them a way
out. This was the longest time in
history where miners were saved after being over two months in a mine. When John was finally rescued, he summed up
his experience by saying, “I always knew God would get us out of there.” The
hard work and perseverance of all made this rescue possible.
2) GOSPEL, Luke 21:5-19
A) SUFFERING IN THE WORLD. There will be suffering from false prophets,
earthquakes, famine, plagues, kings, governors, and even from family.
B) PERSEVERANCE. Jesus instructs us what to do during such
difficult times. He says, “By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.”
3) APPLICATION TO LIFE
A) PROBLEMS IN LIFE.
Many
people encounter one or more of the following: family problems, health
problems, money problems, work problems, and even problems from religion. There is temptation to give up hope and stop
trying to live a good life.
B) PERSEVERANCE.
Jesus instructs us to persevere. Prayer is a great help in such difficult times. We help others in difficulty by praying for them, listening to them, encouraging them, and at times, offering material support.
4) CONCLUSION
Most people encounter difficulties in
life. John relied on God during the 69
days trapped in a mine. Jesus wants us
to rely on him for the grace to persevere during our trials which will surely
come. By our perseverance in relying on
Jesus, we will overcome the storms in our life.
