TOPIC:
PERSEVERANCE
33C Sunday
Homily, Luke 21:5-19, November 16, 2025
By Fr. Vincent Corbelli,
MM
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. T hanks 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.
