Hope in Trials Ahead

HOMILY FOR THIRTY–THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C BY REV. AUGUSTINE ADETOLA NOVEMBER 16, 2025.

We are gradually coming to the end of the liturgical year, and our readings are pointing us to the end times which assures us of the hope we have in Christ. Hope does not disappoint. It does not fail. The readings for this Sunday remind us that God is always at work, even when times are hard. They call us to stay faithful and trust that God will care for those who honor Him.

Malachi tells of a fierce day that will burn away the wicked, but for those who fear the Lord, healing will come like the sun rising. This is to tell us that there is a reward for everything we do on earth. The wicked will receive there reward and the good will get theirs also. God is a God of justice who gives each person his due. Our actions have consequences. As Christians, we must strive to always do good.

St. Paul in the second reading reminds us that doing good involves not being idle. To do good is to engage in good work and avoid idleness. When we become idle, we can often get involved in habitual sins like gossip, sexual sins and other evil deeds. Idleness leads to trouble and meddling. Paul advises against being lazy. Instead, we should be productive and contribute to our community. Contributing to our community involves looking for ways to be part of the progress and upliftment of the Church. Lazy people only sit down and gossip about what is not right and make no effort to make it better.

The Gospel tells us about the scary end times. Jesus tells this story not to put fear in us but to prepare us for a time when we need to give account of our stewardship. Giving account of how good we were on earth. He reminded us that while trying to be a good person, we will face persecutions. We must not be disturbed but we must endure because the persecutions won’t last forever.

Lessons to take away from today’s reflection is that firstly, endurance is a key theme in these readings. Jesus tells us that those who endure will be saved. This means that staying faithful is very important. When we face trials, we should remember Jesus’ promise. He will give us the strength and wisdom we need. Our faith will help us endure anything.

Secondly, let us persevere in doing good. We can’t abandon being good people because we are being criticized or ridiculed. We must remember that we do what we do not for people but for God. God who sees our goodness will surely reward us for our actions.

Finally, avoid idleness because it leads to sin. An idle person is the devil’s workshop. Satan makes a home with such person.

Lord, help us stay faithful and diligent in our work and faith. Give us strength to endure trials and wisdom to face challenges. May we always trust in Your justice and blessings.

Amen.