Sermon: November 16, 2025
Readings: Luke 21:5-19 / 2Thessalonians 3:6-13
The words spoken by Jesus, which Paul echoes in his letter, still resonate as we face today's challenges. Just as the disciples and the early church experienced upheaval and uncertainty, so do we. It can feel as if our sense of normalcy has been shaken to its core, trembling and on the verge of crumbling.
It seems there has been one heartbreaking wave after another of events that have challenged us emotionally and spiritually; from the senseless wars in Ukraine and Gaza, where innocent lives are still being taken and starvation is a fact of life, to the deep political division and unjust policies in our own country.
With these unjust policies comes rhetoric that targets and dehumanizes immigrants, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and anyone who raises their voice for justice. In today’s social and political divisions, anyone who speaks out for mercy or compassion, or even questions those in power, is treated as an enemy of the state.
Today’s scripture passages speak honestly to our deepest fears and greatest hopes. They acknowledge suffering and uncertainty, yet they do not leave us stranded in despair. Instead, they offer a vision of hope, a hope rooted in the enduring love of God and the strength we discover in one another.
This hope is not passive; it calls us to action, even in the smallest ways. We are invited to reach out to those who are struggling, even though we may be experiencing our own worry and anxiety. We are to continue serving, giving, and praying, even when we’re unsure if it makes a difference. Every act of kindness, every moment of perseverance, shines God’s light into the darkness and affirms that God sees our faithfulness, our tears, and our hope.
In these unstable and distressing times, Jesus invites us to faith, endurance, and community. Even though the world around us may be shaken, we are not defined by these circumstances. We are defined by God’s love, an unshakable love that persists through every challenge. It is a love without boundaries, a love that is freely given to all.
May we open our hearts and accept Jesus’ invitation to move from fear and uncertainty to faith and courage, shining God’s gracious light into the world so that all may find peace; not because hardship is absent, but because God’s love and presence are a sure and certain foundation that nothing can shake or crumble, no matter what we face.
