Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 428
Lectionary: 428
Paul, called to be
an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the Church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
and Sosthenes our brother,
to the Church of God that is in Corinth,
to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy,
with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (1) I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Gospel MT 24:42-51
Jesus said to his
disciples:
“Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant,
whom the master has put in charge of his household
to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.
Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’
and begins to beat his fellow servants,
and eat and drink with drunkards,
the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day
and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely
and assign him a place with the hypocrites,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
“Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant,
whom the master has put in charge of his household
to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.
Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.
But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’
and begins to beat his fellow servants,
and eat and drink with drunkards,
the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day
and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely
and assign him a place with the hypocrites,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
Meditation: Are you ready to meet the Lord?
Has your community or town ever participated in
a grand homecoming party for a celebrated hero or champion who courageously and
selflessly risked all to serve their people and nation - who risked great odds
to protect people from harm and who achieved great victory over an enemy bent on
destroying their land and freedom? The Lord Jesus promises us a great victory
celebration when he returns again to put down his enemies and to establish his
everlasting kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness. That day when the Lord
Jesus returns will be joy and peace for those who are prepared to meet him -
but grief and sorrow for those who did not accept him as Lord and ruler of all.
Jesus will return to establish his everlasting
kingdom
Jesus' first coming was a rescue mission - he was sent by the eternal Father in heaven to save us from the tyranny of sin, Satan, and death. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and his triumphant victory over the grave won pardon for us and reconciliation with our heavenly Father, and the promise of everlasting life and joy in his kingdom. The Lord Jesus told his disciples on a number of occasions that he would return again at the end of this present age - not simply to rescue us again from our enemies - but as a victor King and Lord who will vindicate all who have believed in him - by releasing us from the curse of death and condemnation and restoring for us the plan he had from the beginning of creation - a new heavens and earth and a people perfectly united with God in peace, joy, and harmony forever. This is the background to Jesus story (parable) about the householder and the thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-51). When the Lord Jesus returns, he doesn't want to find us flirting with the enemy or worse joining forces with enemies who are opposed God and his kingdom.
Jesus' first coming was a rescue mission - he was sent by the eternal Father in heaven to save us from the tyranny of sin, Satan, and death. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and his triumphant victory over the grave won pardon for us and reconciliation with our heavenly Father, and the promise of everlasting life and joy in his kingdom. The Lord Jesus told his disciples on a number of occasions that he would return again at the end of this present age - not simply to rescue us again from our enemies - but as a victor King and Lord who will vindicate all who have believed in him - by releasing us from the curse of death and condemnation and restoring for us the plan he had from the beginning of creation - a new heavens and earth and a people perfectly united with God in peace, joy, and harmony forever. This is the background to Jesus story (parable) about the householder and the thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-51). When the Lord Jesus returns, he doesn't want to find us flirting with the enemy or worse joining forces with enemies who are opposed God and his kingdom.
Don't let Satan rob you of your heavenly
treasure
What does Jesus' parable of the thief in the night teach us about God's kingdom? If you knew that a thief in the night was about to strike your home and threaten your life, wouldn't you seek to protect yourself from harm's way? Jesus' parable of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for watchfulness and being on guard to avert the danger of plunder and destruction, especially under the cover of darkness and secrecy! While no thief would announce his intention in advance, nor the time when he would strike, lack of vigilance would nonetheless invite disaster for those who are unprepared to keep their treasure and their lives secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
What does Jesus' parable of the thief in the night teach us about God's kingdom? If you knew that a thief in the night was about to strike your home and threaten your life, wouldn't you seek to protect yourself from harm's way? Jesus' parable of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for watchfulness and being on guard to avert the danger of plunder and destruction, especially under the cover of darkness and secrecy! While no thief would announce his intention in advance, nor the time when he would strike, lack of vigilance would nonetheless invite disaster for those who are unprepared to keep their treasure and their lives secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
What is the treasure which the Lord Jesus wants
us to guard lest we lose it? It is the treasure of his kingdom - a kingdom of
peace, joy, and righteousness (goodness and justice) in the Holy Spirit (Romans
14:17). We can lose our true homeland and friendship with God if we allow Satan
- the deceiver and father of lies - to rob us of our faith and inheritance in
the kingdom of God! The Lord Jesus fortunately does not leave us on our own -
he stands watch with us to guide and lead us on the path that leads to our true
home with the Father in his heaven.
Be ready to give your account to the Lord Jesus
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise - the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence - probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only throws him out of his house, he fires him from his job! He also throws him into the worst possible place - a prison of no return where there is nothing but torment and misery.
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise - the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence - probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only throws him out of his house, he fires him from his job! He also throws him into the worst possible place - a prison of no return where there is nothing but torment and misery.
Should we be surprised to see the master acting
with such swift judgment? After all he is only giving back what they have given
to him. The master rewards the faithful servant with honor, promotion, and
friendship, and he punishes the unfaithful servant - who stole from his master
and used his position to abuse others – by removing him from his position of
trust with the master and by throwing him into prison for robbing the
master and mistreating his fellow servants. The Lord has entrusted each of us
with his gifts and grace - the grace to love God with faithfulness, trust, and
obedience - and the grace to love our neighbor as our self. Do you love
faithfulness?
Always be prepared for your homecoming
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
“Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart and it
is yours. Take my life and all that I possess that I may have you alone as my
treasure and joy. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in
love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory.”
 No Sleeping on the Job |
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August 28, 2014. Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and
doctor of the Church
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Matthew 24:42-51
Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore, stay awake! For
you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the
master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he
would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you
also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will
come. Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put
in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen,
I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that
wicked servant says to himself, ´My master is long delayed,´ and begins to
beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant´s
master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish
him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be
wailing and grinding of teeth."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I come to you again in prayer. Even though I
cannot see you, I know through faith that you are present in my life. I hope
in your promise to be with me. I love you, and I know you love me. Accept
this prayer as a token of my love.
Petition: Lord, help me to remain alert, keeping the goal of
heaven always in mind.
1. Days and Hours: None of us knows how long we have to live, nor did Jesus
reveal how long human history would continue before he came again for the
Final Judgment. This should make us realize we need to be always ready to
meet Our Lord, to have our actions true, and our conscience always clear. We
need to be living as if each day were our last, as if our eternal happiness
depended on the choices and actions of this very day. Every moment is precious
and important in God’s eyes, and the one necessary thing is working to attain
our salvation. This is more important than anything else we can accomplish in
life.
2. True Prudence: The servant who is constant and steady, who does what he
is supposed to do at each moment, is the truly prudent person. God wants us
to be faithful and follow his will every single day. This is the path to
holiness and union with God; there is no other way we can be close to God
except by doing his will, out of love and gratitude. How do my actions today
reflect loving obedience to God’s will? Am I putting God at the center of my
life, or do I have him and his will relegated to the margins, paying
attention to what he wants of me only from time to time?
3. A Long Delay: Often it can seem that God is distant and not involved
in our lives. It can seem that he is not coming back anytime soon, and this
can lead us to become distracted with many other things. Every day we need to
renew our spirit of faith in God and in his constant presence, living each
day to please him, no matter how long the delay seems to be. We need to live
in his presence through faith in him and his revelation, which guides us
along the pathway to eternal life. We need to keep a lively, operative faith
in God and in his presence every day.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, teach me to pray with real faith
in you and in your word which gives life. Help me believe at every moment so
that I can please you, do your will and grow in holiness.
Resolution: I will renew my faith each day, frequently making
conscious and fervent acts of faith.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, MATTHEW 24:42-51
(I Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145)
(I Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145)
KEY VERSE: "Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come" (v 42).
READING: Jesus' parable of the unfaithful servant was an indictment of Israel's religious leaders, but it also served as a warning to his disciples. As future leaders of the Church, these servants would be responsible for the Christian community during Christ's physical absence. They were instructed to be vigilant and prepared for his sudden return. The prudent servant should faithfully perform the task of caring for the Church, the members of God's household. By contrast, the wicked servant took advantage of his master's absence and acted shamefully toward his fellow servants. The slothful, sinful servants would be punished severely for their infidelity. The reliable, trustworthy servants would be rewarded for their faithfulness.
REFLECTING: Am I dependable in performing my ministry?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be your faithful servant in all I do.
Memorial of Augustine, bishop and doctor of
the Church
Trained in Christianity by his mother St. Monica, Augustine lost his faith in youth and led a wild life. He lived with a Carthaginian woman from the age of 15 through 30, and fathered a son whom he named Adeotadus (the gift of God). Augustine taught rhetoric at Carthage and Milan. After investigating and experimenting with several philosophies, he became a Manichaean, which taught of a great struggle between good and evil, and featured a lax moral code. A summation of his thinking at the time comes from his Confessions: "God, give me chastity and continence - but not just now." Augustine finally broke with the Manichaeans and was converted by the prayers of his mother and the help of Ambrose of Milan. In 387 Augustine was baptized at Easter along with his son, who died soon afterwards. On the death of his mother he returned to Africa, sold his property, gave the proceeds to the poor, and founded a monastery. Monk, priest, preacher and Bishop of Hippo, Augustine founded religious communities, and fought against Manichaeism, Donatism, Pelagianism and other heresies. He oversaw his church and his See during the fall of the Roman Empire to the Vandals. His later thinking can also be summed up in a line from his writings: "Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you." Augustine is a Doctor of the Church.
I will praise your name for ever, Lord
Christ has enriched us in so many ways.Paul is at pains to tell the Corinthians—and us—that he never stopped thanking God for all the graces they had received through Jesus Christ. The message for us is that we should pray gratefully for the many gifts we have received through Jesus throughout our lives. We need to continually remind ourselves that in fact all we have comes as gift from God often through Jesus. The simple prayer—‘I am forever grateful, dear Lord, for the many gifts I have received’—prayed through Jesus to his Father is music indeed to their ears. It is a continuing sign of our ongoing faithfulness as we strive to match the unfailing faithfulness of our God. Lord, we ask for the grace to pray this prayer often.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Spacious Silence
Silence is the ability to trust that God is acting, teaching, and
using me—even before I perform or after my seeming failures. Silence is the
necessary space around things that allows them to develop and flourish without
my pushing. God takes it from there.
August
28
St. Augustine of Hippo
(354-430)
St. Augustine of Hippo
(354-430)
A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are
familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned
saint. But really to get to know the man is a rewarding experience.
There
quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path
led away from or toward God. The tears of his mother (August 27), the
instructions of Ambrose (December 7) and, most of all, God himself
speaking to him in the Scriptures redirected Augustine’s love of life to a life
of love.
Having
been so deeply immersed in creature-pride of life in his early days and having
drunk deeply of its bitter dregs, it is not surprising that Augustine should
have turned, with a holy fierceness, against the many demon-thrusts rampant in
his day. His times were truly decadent—politically, socially, morally. He was
both feared and loved, like the Master. The perennial criticism leveled against
him: a fundamental rigorism.
In his
day, he providentially fulfilled the office of prophet. Like Jeremiah and other
greats, he was hard-pressed but could not keep quiet. “I say to myself, I will
not mention him,/I will speak in his name no more./But then it becomes like
fire burning in my heart,/imprisoned in my bones;/I grow weary holding it in,/I
cannot endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9).
Comment:
Augustine is still acclaimed and condemned in our day. He is a prophet for today, trumpeting the need to scrap escapisms and stand face-to-face with personal responsibility and dignity.
Augustine is still acclaimed and condemned in our day. He is a prophet for today, trumpeting the need to scrap escapisms and stand face-to-face with personal responsibility and dignity.
Quote:
“Too late have I loved you, O Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new! Too late I loved you! And behold, you were within, and I abroad, and there I searched for you; I was deformed, plunging amid those fair forms, which you had made. You were with me, but I was not with you. Things held me far from you—things which, if they were not in you, were not at all. You called, and shouted, and burst my deafness. You flashed and shone, and scattered my blindness. You breathed odors and I drew in breath—and I pant for you. I tasted, and I hunger and thirst. You touched me, and I burned for your peace” (St. Augustine, Confessions).
“Too late have I loved you, O Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new! Too late I loved you! And behold, you were within, and I abroad, and there I searched for you; I was deformed, plunging amid those fair forms, which you had made. You were with me, but I was not with you. Things held me far from you—things which, if they were not in you, were not at all. You called, and shouted, and burst my deafness. You flashed and shone, and scattered my blindness. You breathed odors and I drew in breath—and I pant for you. I tasted, and I hunger and thirst. You touched me, and I burned for your peace” (St. Augustine, Confessions).
Patron Saint of:
Printers
Printers
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 24,42-51
Lectio:
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
help us to seek the values
that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world.
In our desire for what you promise
make us one in mind and heart.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
help us to seek the values
that will bring us enduring joy in this changing world.
In our desire for what you promise
make us one in mind and heart.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 24,42-51
Jesus said to his disciples: 'So stay awake, because you do not
know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if
the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he
would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the
wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of man
is coming at an hour you do not expect.
'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy servant whom the master placed over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that. In truth I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he owns. But if the servant is dishonest and says to himself, "My master is taking his time," and sets about beating his fellow-servants and eating and drinking with drunkards, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy servant whom the master placed over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that. In truth I tell you, he will put him in charge of everything he owns. But if the servant is dishonest and says to himself, "My master is taking his time," and sets about beating his fellow-servants and eating and drinking with drunkards, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today speaks about the coming of the Lord at the
end of time and exhorts us to be watchful, to watch. At the time of the first
Christians, many persons thought that the end of this world was close at hand
and that Jesus would have returned afterwards. Today many persons think that
the end of the world is close at hand. And therefore, it is well to reflect on
the meaning of vigilance, of watching.
• Matthew 24, 42: Watch. “So stay awake! Watch, because you do not know the day when your master is coming”. Concerning the day and the hour of the end of the world, Jesus had said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father!" (Mk 13, 32). Today, many people live concerned thinking about the end of the world. Have you seen when walking through the streets of the city that it is written on the walls: “Jesus will return!” And how will this coming be? After the year 1000, basing themselves on the Gospel of John, people began to say (Rev 20, 7): “1000 years have gone by, but 2000 will not pas by!” This is why, as the year 2000 approached, many were worried. There were even some people who were anguished because of the proximity of the end of the world, so much so that they committed suicide. Others, reading the Apocalypse of John, even were able to foretell the exact hour of the end. But the year 2000 came and nothing happened. The end of the world does not arrive! Many times, the affirmation “Jesus will return” is used to frighten people and oblige them to belong to a given church! Others, because they have waited so long and have speculated so much concerning the coming of Jesus, are not aware of his presence among us, in the most common things of life, in the facts of every day.
• The same problems existed in the Christian communities of the first centuries. Many persons of the communities said that the end of this world was close at hand and that Jesus would have returned. Some of the community of Thessalonica in Greece, basing themselves on the preaching of Paul said: “Jesus will return!” (1 Th 4, 13-18; 2 Th 2, 2). And this is why, there were even persons who no longer worked because they thought that the coming of the end was so close at hand, within a few days or a few weeks so, “Why work, if Jesus will return afterwards?” (cf. 2 Th 3, 11). Paul responds that it was not so simple as they imagined. And to those who had stopped working he would say: “Anyone who does not want to work, has no right to eat!” Others remained looking up at the sky, waiting for the return of Jesus in the clouds (cf. Ac 1, 11). Others rebelled because he delayed coming back (2 P 3, 4-9). In general the Christians lived with the expectation of the imminent coming of Jesus. Jesus was coming to realize or carry out the Final Judgement to end with the unjust history of this world and to inaugurate the new phase of history, the definitive phase of the New Heaven and the New Earth. They believed that this would have taken place within one or two generations. Many persons would still be alive when Jesus would have appeared again, glorious in Heaven (1Th 4, 16-17; Mc 9, 1). Others, tired of waiting would say: “He will never come back!” (2 P 3,).
• Up until now the coming of Jesus has not arrived! How can this delay be understood? It is because they are not aware that Jesus has already returned and lives in our midst: “I am with you always, till the end of time.” (Mt 28, 20). He is already at our side, in the struggle for justice, for peace, for life. The fullness has not as yet been attained, but a guarantee of the Kingdom is already in our midst. This is why, we expect with a firm hope the full liberation of humanity and of nature (Rm 8, 22-25). And while we wait and struggle, we say with certainty: “He is already in our midst” (Mt 25, 40).
• Matthew 24, 43-51: The example of the householder and of his servants. “Consider this: if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.” Jesus says this very clearly. Nobody knows anything regarding the hour: "Concerning this day and this hour, nobody knows anything, neither the angels, or the Son, but only the Father
What is important is not to know the hour of the end of this world, but rather to be capable to perceive the coming of Jesus who is already present in our midst in the person of the poor (cf. Mt 25, 40) and in so many other ways and events of our daily life. What is important is to open the eyes and to keep in mind the commitment of the good servant of whom Jesus speaks about in the parable.
• Matthew 24, 42: Watch. “So stay awake! Watch, because you do not know the day when your master is coming”. Concerning the day and the hour of the end of the world, Jesus had said: “But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, no one but the Father!" (Mk 13, 32). Today, many people live concerned thinking about the end of the world. Have you seen when walking through the streets of the city that it is written on the walls: “Jesus will return!” And how will this coming be? After the year 1000, basing themselves on the Gospel of John, people began to say (Rev 20, 7): “1000 years have gone by, but 2000 will not pas by!” This is why, as the year 2000 approached, many were worried. There were even some people who were anguished because of the proximity of the end of the world, so much so that they committed suicide. Others, reading the Apocalypse of John, even were able to foretell the exact hour of the end. But the year 2000 came and nothing happened. The end of the world does not arrive! Many times, the affirmation “Jesus will return” is used to frighten people and oblige them to belong to a given church! Others, because they have waited so long and have speculated so much concerning the coming of Jesus, are not aware of his presence among us, in the most common things of life, in the facts of every day.
• The same problems existed in the Christian communities of the first centuries. Many persons of the communities said that the end of this world was close at hand and that Jesus would have returned. Some of the community of Thessalonica in Greece, basing themselves on the preaching of Paul said: “Jesus will return!” (1 Th 4, 13-18; 2 Th 2, 2). And this is why, there were even persons who no longer worked because they thought that the coming of the end was so close at hand, within a few days or a few weeks so, “Why work, if Jesus will return afterwards?” (cf. 2 Th 3, 11). Paul responds that it was not so simple as they imagined. And to those who had stopped working he would say: “Anyone who does not want to work, has no right to eat!” Others remained looking up at the sky, waiting for the return of Jesus in the clouds (cf. Ac 1, 11). Others rebelled because he delayed coming back (2 P 3, 4-9). In general the Christians lived with the expectation of the imminent coming of Jesus. Jesus was coming to realize or carry out the Final Judgement to end with the unjust history of this world and to inaugurate the new phase of history, the definitive phase of the New Heaven and the New Earth. They believed that this would have taken place within one or two generations. Many persons would still be alive when Jesus would have appeared again, glorious in Heaven (1Th 4, 16-17; Mc 9, 1). Others, tired of waiting would say: “He will never come back!” (2 P 3,).
• Up until now the coming of Jesus has not arrived! How can this delay be understood? It is because they are not aware that Jesus has already returned and lives in our midst: “I am with you always, till the end of time.” (Mt 28, 20). He is already at our side, in the struggle for justice, for peace, for life. The fullness has not as yet been attained, but a guarantee of the Kingdom is already in our midst. This is why, we expect with a firm hope the full liberation of humanity and of nature (Rm 8, 22-25). And while we wait and struggle, we say with certainty: “He is already in our midst” (Mt 25, 40).
• Matthew 24, 43-51: The example of the householder and of his servants. “Consider this: if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.” Jesus says this very clearly. Nobody knows anything regarding the hour: "Concerning this day and this hour, nobody knows anything, neither the angels, or the Son, but only the Father
What is important is not to know the hour of the end of this world, but rather to be capable to perceive the coming of Jesus who is already present in our midst in the person of the poor (cf. Mt 25, 40) and in so many other ways and events of our daily life. What is important is to open the eyes and to keep in mind the commitment of the good servant of whom Jesus speaks about in the parable.
4) Personal questions
• On which signs do people base themselves to say that the end
of the world is close at hand? Do you believe that the end of the world is
close at hand?
• What can we respond to those who say that the end of the world is close at hand? Which is the force which impels you to resist and to have hope?
• What can we respond to those who say that the end of the world is close at hand? Which is the force which impels you to resist and to have hope?
5) Concluding Prayer
Day after day I shall bless you, Lord,
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is Yahweh and worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning. (Ps 145,2-3)
I shall praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is Yahweh and worthy of all praise,
his greatness beyond all reckoning. (Ps 145,2-3)
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