Dear brothers and sisters,

As we come to the second-to-last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, our readings take on a more serious, reflective tone. Next Sunday, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, which closes the liturgical year and leads us into a new beginning with Advent, the season of waiting and hope for the coming of Christ.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the destruction of the Temple and warns of wars, earthquakes, and persecutions. At first, these words may sound frightening. But the Church places this passage here at the end of the year for a reason. It’s meant to help us reflect on the end of time, when Christ will return in glory, and to remind us that our faith must remain firm even in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Jesus tells us, “Do not be terrified” and “By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” These are words of encouragement and hope. The message is not one of fear, but of trust. All the powers and structures of this world will one day pass away, but God’s love and His promises endure forever. The Lord calls us to stay faithful, to persevere, and to place our hope not in what fades, but in what lasts: His Kingdom!

This Sunday is also the World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis as a reminder that our faith must take shape in concrete acts of love. As we hear Jesus’ call to perseverance and hope, we are also invited to look around us, to notice the struggles of those who live with very little, and to respond with generosity and compassion. The end of the liturgical year is a perfect time to renew our commitment to charity and to see Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.

You can find the "Ask Fr. Fabian" box in the gathering space. If you have any questions about the liturgy, please put them in the box. I'll respond in the bulletin. Please remember that this is not a suggestion box.

May this week be a moment for all of us to pray for the poor, to share our blessings, and to anchor our lives in the hope that does not disappoint — the hope we have in Jesus Christ, who is Lord of history and the One who will come again in glory.

You are in my prayers. Have a blessed week! 

In Christ,

Fr. Fabian Han