Thursday, November 27, 2025
Dan 6:12-28; Lk 21:20-28
Today’s Gospel highlights that Christian life is nourished and strengthened by hope.
The first part of the Gospel presents Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem’s future destruction. The picture of the Holy City’s destruction is more frightening. Wars, calamities, and persecutions are daunting realities, too. Yet, what gives us consolation is that destruction is not the final word from Jesus.
It is fascinating to note that Jesus looks more detailed in the picture of woe and destruction. However, if we note carefully, the emphasis falls not on destruction but on deliverance coming from God. In other words, what appears as signs of doom for others is, in fact, deliverance for Christians.
This is why, amid trials and tribulations, Jesus invites his disciples and followers to ‘stand erect and raise heads’ with the hope of redemption that is at hand.
How can we allow hope to nourish and strengthen us, especially when we are surrounded by affliction and suffering?
The South African Anglican Archbishop and Theologian Desmond Tutu was known for his lifelong activism against apartheid and human rights violations. The way he held on to hope earned him admirers and followers from other faith traditions as well.
He was fond of saying, ‘I am not optimistic. I am hopeful. I am a prisoner of hope.’ He clung to hope as a powerful act of faith, believing in the possibility of good despite suffering.
We are called to realize that such hopeful words are hard to come from someone who saw his people and flock victimized by the evil of apartheid on a daily basis. When we receive such invitations to hope from unlikely people and places, we understand the power of hope in helping us pass through the storms of life.
Jesus invites us not to expect destruction, but deliverance from God. For this reason, we need to hold on to our hope. Hope is a hard virtue, but one virtue that we must keep alive.
Let us not forget the invitation from Jesus to be ‘prisoners of hope’ who refuse to give up when daunting moments and realities surround us.
Let us pray that we may be sustained, nourished, and strengthened by the hope of deliverance coming from God.
Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar
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“Thank you, Dinakaran, for your wonderful gospel reflection today. Your words were inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in faith. I truly appreciate the clarity and wisdom you shared—it gives me much to reflect on and carry with me throughout the day. May God continue to bless you with insight and the grace to touch many hearts.”
Dear Father Dhinakaran,
Along with the Gospel message on hope, your special mention of the South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his stand against apartheid and human rights violations was inspiring and noteworthy. After that, I also read something about apartheid. The way you relate the Gospel message to present-day happenings, history, and examples from beyond borders is what makes you unique. My continued best wishes for your writing ministry father.