SCRIPTURE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time FIRST READING: WISDOM 18:6-9
This passage from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of how much we are indebted to God. The author of Wisdom reminds the
Israelites of the great miracle of the Passover, which led to their liberation from slavery in Egypt. He is recalling
these events to their memories in order to encourage them to remain faithful to the God who did these great things for their
ancestors. This is the same God who still loves them and is interested in their well being.
God saved his people and defeated their enemies. This is an ongoing theme throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. God
made good on his promises and led his faithful people to the land of promise. God had promised Abraham that he would
make of them a great nation.
Today, the Wisdom writer tells us that the faithful
Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, but that God would set them free. The night of their flight to freedom was made known
to them through Moses. That night they were to offer a year-old lamb in sacrifice to God. This was to be done
in secret within the confines of their own homes. They were to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a
lamb. That same night a plague of sorrows would be brought down upon the enemy and an avenging angel would visit the
homes of Egypt, killing the first-born of every house not marked by the blood of the lamb. The Israelites did as they
were instructed by Moses, and the angel passed over each house that was marked by the blood of the lamb, thus sparing the
first-born of each marked house. With this event, the Feast of Passover was born.
Faithful readiness is the main theme for today’s reading. The Israelites prepared themselves for a journey and
were ever-watchful to embark on the road from slavery to freedom. How vigilant are we as we continue on our journey
of faith? Are we becoming lax and too immersed (enslaved) in the attractions of this world, basking in he glory of the
latest ‘gadgets’ that the world churns out, while our neighbor is crying for help - the poor, the alien, the forgotten.
How prepared are we to meet our God? He is ever mindful of us; let’s be ever-faithful to him through our concern
for others. Then we will be better equipped and prepared for that final journey home. SECOND
READING: HEBREWS 11:1-2,8-19
This week’s selection from the
Letter to the Hebrews describes three examples of faith in the life of Abraham. His willingness to set out for an unknown
land at God’s command; the faith he demonstrated at the promise of a child- even in his and Sarah’s advanced age;
and Abraham’s obedient faith in his willingness to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham’s faith can be
demonstrated only by one who is a true believer; he implicitly trusted in the word of God! The impossible is possible
with God. Today’s passage recalls the faith of Abraham and points out his unwavering confidence in God’s
promise.
This selection from Hebrews is not intended as a definition of faith;
rather it is a description of faith. Faith for Abraham was not the result of touching or seeing. It was a lifetime
of listening and responding to God’s invitations. It was always Abraham’s decision to believe and obey God.
As believers we are called to trust in the promises of God, even when the future looks dim. We are called to move forward
in spite of the obstacles of life. This is called faith. Lord, grant that we may have the courage to trust in
you even in the midst of hardships. GOSPEL: LUKE 12:32-48
This teaching of Our Lord tells the disciples (and us, through them) how we should conduct our earthly lives so that we will
not be found wanting when we are called to judgement as we enter eternal life. Jesus lays it out clearly when he answers
Peter’s question: “lord, is this parable meant for us (apostles) or for everyone (v.41)?” Our Lord
says that more will be expected of those who have received greater gifts from God than those who have received lesser gifts.
He also teaches about the need for preparedness as we wait for the fulfillment
of the reign of God. This teaching should make us all sit up and take serious notice. As faithful disciples, Jesus’
followers were to be ever-watchful, and in a state of preparedness, for his return. This teaching of the Master’s
return is understood to refer to the second coming of Jesus.
Today’s
Gospel reading can be neatly divided into three parts: a teaching on possessions (sell your belongings and give to the poor-v.33);
a parable on the importance of watchfulness, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their
master’s return...(v.35-40)”; and instructions about responsible leadership (v.42-44). Luke ends this Gospel passage
with a statement of accountability, as spoken by Jesus: “...Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more (v. 48).”
We have been gifted with many talents and, sometimes, with many material goods. How good are we at sharing these gifts
with others? At the end of our lives, we will not be asked, “How much have you accumulated?” Rather, we
will be asked, “How many of those gifts did you share with others?” We will be held accountable if we failed
to show mercy and kindness to those who are struggling in this world, such as the lonely, the ‘illegal’ immigrant,
the homeless. Christ walked that same path when he living on this earth; and now depends on us to carry on with his
work of showing kindness and compassion to others. We pray that when we meet him at the end of our life on earth, Christ
may welcome us with these words: “Come, enter the kingdom, my loyal, and faithful servant.” -Sunday, August 8, 2010 |
