“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Gospel for Nov. 13, Lk 21:19)
In this Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about the trials and persecution believers will face. We may suffer for our belief in Christ, but we will be saved if we persevere. Suffering is an inevitable part of the human condition. We see it in the faces of the poor, the afflicted and those in need all around us. May we seek to remain faithful to Christ, whatever suffering we encounter in life, and may we seek to alleviate the suffering of others.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to fast (defined as eating no more than one full meal and two smaller meals that don’t equal a full meal) one day a week and offer up this sacrifice to grow in perseverance. Second, I challenge you to help with the Food for Families or Coats for Kids Faith in Action program.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you suffer well? How do you act and treat others when you are suffering? Have you ever met someone who had suffered greatly and been inspired by how they handled it?