The Temple in Jerusalem was a structure of immense splendor, a marvel that drew admiration for its solidity and decoration. In today's Gospel, as the Lord observed people praising its splendor, He offered a sobering truth: a day would come when this impressive, beautiful structure would be destroyed.

This prophecy, which the Lord intensified to include the destruction of the entire world, shifted the focus of the conversation. While the people were placing their trust in material, worldly achievements, the Lord delivered a central message: earthly things are fleeting and do not deserve our ultimate trust or our whole heart.

The essential lesson is that things of this world pass away. Only that which is eternal deserves our full attention. The Lord not only warns of this impermanence but also provides the solution in a single word at the end of the Gospel: perseverance.

The definition of perseverance is steady persistence in a course of action. The core of Christian perseverance is to be steadfast in what truly matters to the Lord. Christian perseverance means being firm, disciplined, and persistent in building what will endure.

We, like the people at the Temple, often praise and prioritize the works of our hands. While our earthly achievements are important, the Lord reminds us not to neglect the things that give life transcendence.

The Lord offers a path to wisdom: "By your perseverance you will gain life." The key is to dedicate our efforts to building what will not crumble and what will accompany us after death. Our relationship with God will not crumble. Personal and communal prayer is vital for growing this bond. The good we do will not crumble. All acts of kindness and service will accompany us after death. As St. Paul advises the Galatians, "Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).  Everything we do serving others is what we ultimately take with us.

The motivation behind our prayer and service is crucial. It must not be based on circumstance but must spring from a heart firmly rooted in the Lord. A heart firmly rooted in the Lord prays and does good continually.

Let us humbly ask the Lord to strengthen our hearts and grant us the gift of perseverance to the very end.