Living Faithfully in the Last Week of the Year

As we gather in the final week of the liturgical year, our hearts are drawn to reflect on the themes of endings and beginnings. The readings today remind us that everything in this world, no matter how grand or seemingly permanent, will eventually pass away. Even the magnificent temple in Jerusalem, admired for its beauty and strength, was destined to be destroyed. This truth is not meant to fill us with fear, but to awaken us to the deeper reality that only God’s kingdom endures forever. Earthly kingdoms, institutions, and even the rhythms of our own lives are subject to change and eventual conclusion, but God remains the one constant—yesterday, today, and forever.

Throughout history, many have tried to predict the end times, often leading to disappointment and confusion. These failed predictions serve as a caution against being led astray by those who claim special knowledge of God’s plans. Jesus himself warns us not to be terrified by wars, disasters, or rumors of the end, but to remain steadfast and faithful. The call is not to obsess over when the end will come, but to focus on how we live each day: loving God, serving one another, and nurturing what is good within us.

This perspective invites us to live with a sense of reverence and responsibility. Rather than clinging to what is temporary, we are encouraged to invest in what is eternal—acts of love, mercy, and faithfulness. When we do this, we need not fear the future or the unknown. Whenever the end comes, we will be ready to give an account of our lives, confident that we have lived in accordance with God’s will. As we celebrate the Eucharist and pray for our loved ones, for peace, and for all those in need, we entrust ourselves to God’s unchanging care, asking for the grace to remain faithful and loving in all circumstances.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Kingdom Alone Endures Forever All earthly things, no matter how impressive or lasting they seem, will eventually pass away. Only God’s reign is eternal, and this truth calls us to place our ultimate trust not in what is temporary, but in the One who is unchanging. This perspective frees us from anxiety about loss and change, anchoring our hope in God’s everlasting faithfulness. [12:10]
• 2. Beware of False Certainty and Predictions History is filled with failed attempts to predict the end times, leading to confusion and disappointment. Jesus warns us not to be misled by those who claim special insight into God’s timing. Instead, we are called to discernment and humility, recognizing that our task is not to know the future, but to live faithfully in the present. [08:49]
• 3. Faithfulness in Daily Life Prepares Us for the End Rather than fearing the end or obsessing over its timing, we are invited to live each day with faithfulness—loving God and caring for one another. This daily commitment shapes our character and prepares us to meet God whenever the end comes. In doing so, we find peace and readiness, knowing we have responded to God’s call. [15:07]
• 4. God’s Presence is Our True Security The destruction of even the most sacred places reminds us that our security is not found in buildings or institutions, but in God’s abiding presence. When we root our lives in God, we are able to face uncertainty and change with courage and hope, trusting that God’s love will never fail us. [22:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:32] - Opening Prayer and Intentions
• [01:45] - Penitential Rite
• [02:30] - Collect and Introduction
• [03:10] - Gospel Reading: Luke on the Temple
• [05:00] - Jesus’ Warning About the End
• [08:49] - False Predictions and End Times
• [10:30] - Reflection on Daniel’s Vision
• [12:10] - The Passing Nature of Earthly Things
• [13:30] - God as the Only Constant
• [15:07] - Living Faithfully Each Day
• [16:30] - Prayers of the Faithful
• [18:34] - Eucharistic Prayer
• [22:47] - Communion and Remembrance
• [26:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
• [28:32] - Closing and Acknowledgments

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Luke 21:5-11 (ESV)
And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”

Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

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### Observation Questions

1. What did Jesus say would happen to the temple that people admired for its beauty and strength? ([12:10])
2. According to Jesus, what kinds of events should not terrify his followers, even though they might seem like signs of the end? ([08:49])
3. In Daniel’s vision, what is unique about God’s kingdom compared to all other kingdoms? ([12:10])
4. What examples did the sermon give of people trying to predict the end times, and what was the result? ([08:49])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus warn his followers not to be led astray by those claiming to know when the end will come? What does this reveal about the kind of faith he wants from us? ([08:49])
2. The destruction of the temple was a shocking idea for Jesus’ listeners. What might this teach us about where we place our sense of security? ([12:10])
3. The sermon says that “God is the only constant—yesterday, today, and forever.” How does this truth help us face changes and uncertainties in life? ([12:10])
4. The message of Daniel’s vision is that only God’s kingdom will last. How should this shape the way we view our own achievements, possessions, or even our traditions? ([12:10])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon encourages us not to cling to what is temporary, but to invest in what is eternal—acts of love, mercy, and faithfulness. What is one area of your life where you tend to hold on to things that are passing away? How could you shift your focus this week? ([12:10])
2. Have you ever felt anxious about the future or about changes happening in your life? How might trusting in God’s unchanging presence help you respond differently? ([12:10])
3. The sermon warns against being obsessed with predictions about the end times. Are there ways you have been distracted by “signs of the times” or by people claiming special knowledge? How can you stay grounded in daily faithfulness instead? ([08:49])
4. Jesus calls us to live each day loving God and serving others. What is one practical way you can show love or serve someone this week, especially in a situation that feels uncertain or out of your control? ([15:07])
5. The destruction of the temple reminds us that even sacred places and institutions can change or end. How do you react when something you thought was permanent is taken away or changes? How can you find hope in God’s faithfulness during those times? ([12:10])
6. The sermon mentions praying for loved ones, for peace, and for those in need. Is there someone or a situation you feel called to pray for or reach out to this week? How will you take a step toward that? ([15:07])
7. When you think about giving an account of your life to God, what is one area where you want to grow in faithfulness? What is a small step you can take this week to move in that direction? ([15:07])