In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus who is our hope reminds us that no matter our difficulties, God is present with us all. As we persevere in faith, God provides us with the words we need to save our lives. We must hold on and not give up.

At the end of time, which is another way of saying “the day of the Lord” God will rebuild our lives. Faith and worrying cannot exist in the same space. The negative events and signs of this life can discourage us. We must not allow our worries to distract us from trusting in God’s words and promises.

Like living stones, we are called to rebuild our relationship with God.  This is an investment of ourselves. We must put the future in God’s hands. With an attitude of gratitude, we live now with God leading us and guiding us into the peace that this world cannot give.

The difficulties and challenges of this world must not cause us to worry but affirm that God cares for us. We are hopeful as we come to the end of this liturgical year and prepare to enter the season of Advent.

A new year, like Advent, offers us an opportunity to not only set new goals but help us to look back over our lives. Advent means “the coming.” As we await the coming of the Lord, God’s mercy will see us through any adversity we might encounter.