Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 117
Lectionary: 117
The night of the passover was known beforehand to our fathers,
that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith,
they might have courage.
Your people awaited the salvation of the just
and the destruction of their foes.
For when you punished our adversaries,
in this you glorified us whom you had summoned.
For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice
and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.
that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith,
they might have courage.
Your people awaited the salvation of the just
and the destruction of their foes.
For when you punished our adversaries,
in this you glorified us whom you had summoned.
For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice
and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
R. (12b) Blessed
the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Reading 2 HEB 11:1-2, 8-19
Brothers and sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
—and Sarah herself was sterile—
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was
trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
All these died in faith.
They did not receive what had been promised
but saw it and greeted it from afar
and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,
for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come,
they would have had opportunity to return.
But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one.
Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God,
for he has prepared a city for them.
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,
of whom it was said,
“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”
He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,
and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
—and Sarah herself was sterile—
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was
trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
All these died in faith.
They did not receive what had been promised
but saw it and greeted it from afar
and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,
for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come,
they would have had opportunity to return.
But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one.
Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God,
for he has prepared a city for them.
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,
of whom it was said,
“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”
He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,
and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
Brothers and sisters:
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
—and Sarah herself was sterile—
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was
trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
Because of it the ancients were well attested.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,
whose architect and maker is God.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
—and Sarah herself was sterile—
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was
trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
Alleluia MT 24:42A, 44
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Stay awake and be ready!
For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake and be ready!
For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 12:32-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your belongings and give alms.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,
for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
Sell your belongings and give alms.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have the servants recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have the servants recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.
Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.”
19th
Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Wisdom 18:6-9
The Book of Wisdom, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is listed in the Muratorian Fragment [the oldest (second century) listing of writings approved as Scripture for use in the Church of Rome] as a New Testament book. The book is not in the Hebrew canon and it is certain that Greek was the original language. It was certainly written after the completion of the Septuagint (middle of the 2nd century B.C.) and earlier than the New Testament. It is thought to date from the middle of the first century B.C. which would make it the last of the Old Testament books to be written. Believed to have been composed in Alexandria, Egypt, the author certainly isn’t Solomon and his identity remains unknown. All efforts to identify the author have been futile and the most that can be said is that he was a devout, Greek speaking Jew, acquainted to some extent with Greek philosophy and culture.
The book divides into two parts: The first part (1:1 through 11:1) appears to be a public address which sings the praises of Wisdom. The second part (11:2 through the end) is a midrash (a Jewish method of searching the Scriptures with a view to discovering the deeper meaning held to underlie the most minute details contained in the sacred text) in homily form about God’s fidelity to His people in the exodus. Today’s reading concerns the tenth plague and the exodus by which God punished the Egyptians and glorified Israel.
6 That night [of the Passover] was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage.
The patriarchs [Abram (Genesis 15:13-34), Jacob (Genesis 46:3-4), etc.] to whom God swore He would deliver their descendants
7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned.
Chosen – from all the peoples of the earth
9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice
The Passover
and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution,
The Passover meal created a family which celebrated with a religious unity.
That your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.
2nd Reading - Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Today we begin a study of the Book of Hebrews. The last time we studied Hebrews in any depth was the 27th through 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time in Cycle B. Today we take up our study essentially where we left off at that time.
The epistles are arranged in the Bible first by author, and then in order of descending length. Hebrews appears after the letters of Paul and before the Epistle of James. This is because although early tradition, in the main, attributed this text to Saint Paul, the western church did not accept Pauline authorship until the 4th century. The letter’s canonicity is not in doubt; it was included in the canon by the Council of Trent (April 8, 1546) among the other writings of Saint Paul, although the council chose not to state categorically that it was written by Paul. (Note how the letter is announced for the Mass reading “A reading from the letter to the Hebrews”). At any rate, who wrote it is a secondary question which has nothing to do with matters of faith.
The letter was probably written in Italy after A.D. 63 and before A.D. 70 (somewhere around A.D. 67 would be a good guess). It was obviously written to people whom the author knew to be steeped in the Old Testament, people who in all probability were converts from Judaism, and who may previously have even been priests or Levites. After becoming Christians, because of the difficult circumstances of the time, they had to abandon Jerusalem, the holy city, to seek refuge elsewhere; possibly Caesarea or Antioch. In their exile they look back with nostalgia on the splendor of the cult they played a part in prior to their conversion. They feel deceived and are tempted to give up their new faith, in which they are not yet well grounded. In addition to this they are discontented by the persecution they suffer because of their faith. Obviously, they are in need of help and in particular of clear doctrine to bolster their faith and enable them to cope with temptation to infidelity.
As we learned last year in our study of the letter to the Hebrews, the basic teaching centers on showing the superiority of the Christian religion over Judaism. The arrangement is developed in three stages:
1) Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, the King of the universe “reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature” and is superior to the angels.
2) Christ is also superior to Moses “as the builder of a house has more honor than the house.”
3) Jesus, the Son of God, is the greatest high priest who has passed through the heavens; His priesthood is of the order of Melchizadek, superior to the priesthood of Aaron, from which the Levitical priesthood derived.
Theological faith is closely linked to hope. Today, with this lesson in mind, we hear of the faith of Abraham.
11:1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. 2 Because of it the ancients were well attested.
“‘Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.’ Wowee! What an expression he uses! He says, ‘evidence of things not seen!’ It is usual to speak of evidence in regard to things that are very plainly seen. Faith, he says, is the full assurance that is had with things that are seen. Neither is it possible to disbelieve in things that are seen, nor again is it possible for there to be faith unless one is as fully persuaded about things invisible as he is about things most clearly seen. Since objects of hope seem to be unsubstantial, faith favors them with substance; or rather, it does not so favor them, but it is the substance. For example, the resurrection has not come, nor does it exist substantially, but hope makes it subsist in our soul. This is what he means when he says ‘the realization of what is hoped for.’” [Saint John Chrysostom (ca. A.D. 403), Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews 21,2(4)]
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. 9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
Abraham’s faith is exemplified by his obedience to God’s command to migrate to Canaan (note it is not by faith alone, but by living out that faith that Abraham is declared righteous) and by his confidence that his descendants would possess the land, although he would only be a wanderer in it.
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
The faith of Isaac and Jacob is mentioned in passing.
10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.
Abraham’s stay in Canaan is an indication of his realization that his permanent dwelling was not to be anywhere on earth, but in the heavenly city (the heavenly Jerusalem).
11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile – for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. 12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead,
An exaggerated description of Abraham’s advanced age (100) at the time of Isaac’s birth.
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. 13 All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, 14 for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
“We all look toward the East when we pray; but few know that it is because we are looking for our own former country, Paradise, which God planted in Eden in the East (Genesis 2:8). On the first day of the week, we stand when we pray; but not all of us know why. The reason is that on the day of the resurrection, by standing at prayer, we remind ourselves of the grace we have received.” [Saint Basil the Great (A.D. 375), The Holy Spirit 27,66]
15 If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one.
All the patriarchs acknowledged that their homeland was in heaven.
Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises
Abraham’s faith is a classic case. His hopes for the fulfillment of God’s promise were bound up with the boy but Abraham, through faith, knew that God was instructing him to live out the divine plan.
was ready to offer his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” 19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
The author sees Isaac’s deliverance from death as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ.
Gospel - Luke 12:32-48
Jesus, having told the disciples of the external problems they will encounter such as that of the Pharisees, whose leven is hypocrisy, now tells them of internal problems caused by selfish Church officials.
[Jesus said to His disciples:] 32 “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
To His struggling, opposed, and small group of disciples Jesus promises what is all-important: the kingdom; the powers of which are operative in their group.
33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Don’t worry about material goods, share. Matthew 6:21 gives this in a negative form: “do not lay up treasures on earth.” Saint Luke’s account is more positive and demanding.
35 “Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants
One who gives service to the Christian community
who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
This role reversal is significant and underscores God’s absolute gratuity. The servant who is faithful during the time of fulfillment before the parousia will share in the banquet in the end times.
37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And should he come in the second or third watch
The times for the changing of the watch were midnight and sunrise.
and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. 39 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said,
Peter is the spokesman for the group. Notice that Jesus ignores the question, implying that it was out of place.
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time?
More seems to be involved than mere foodstuffs. Could this be a reference to communal meals such as the Eucharist?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk,
Echoes of verse 19 sound: The Church official has taken on some of the characteristics of the fool.
46 then that 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 unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.
The punishments for unfaithful and negligent Church officials are stark. Community officials must be faithful and not create internal problems for the Church.
“Indeed, the more superior is a rational nature, so much the worse is its ruin; and the more unbelievable is its sin, so much more the damnable it is. The angel, therefore, fell irreparably, because more is demanded of him to whom more is given... Adam, the first man, was of such an excellent nature, because that nature was not yet weakened, that his sin was much greater by far than are the sins of other men. Therefore his punishment too, which was the immediate consequence of his sin, seemed much more severe. It had been in Adam’s power not to die; but now he was immediately bound by the necessity of dying, and he was immediately sent away from the place of such great happiness; and he was immediately barred from access to the tree of life. But when this was done, the human race was still in his loins. ... Thus all the sons of Adam were infected through him with the contagion of sin and were subjected to the state of death.” [Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 428-430), The Unfinished Work Against Julian’s Second Reply, 6,22]
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Wisdom 18:6-9
The Book of Wisdom, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is listed in the Muratorian Fragment [the oldest (second century) listing of writings approved as Scripture for use in the Church of Rome] as a New Testament book. The book is not in the Hebrew canon and it is certain that Greek was the original language. It was certainly written after the completion of the Septuagint (middle of the 2nd century B.C.) and earlier than the New Testament. It is thought to date from the middle of the first century B.C. which would make it the last of the Old Testament books to be written. Believed to have been composed in Alexandria, Egypt, the author certainly isn’t Solomon and his identity remains unknown. All efforts to identify the author have been futile and the most that can be said is that he was a devout, Greek speaking Jew, acquainted to some extent with Greek philosophy and culture.
The book divides into two parts: The first part (1:1 through 11:1) appears to be a public address which sings the praises of Wisdom. The second part (11:2 through the end) is a midrash (a Jewish method of searching the Scriptures with a view to discovering the deeper meaning held to underlie the most minute details contained in the sacred text) in homily form about God’s fidelity to His people in the exodus. Today’s reading concerns the tenth plague and the exodus by which God punished the Egyptians and glorified Israel.
6 That night [of the Passover] was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage.
The patriarchs [Abram (Genesis 15:13-34), Jacob (Genesis 46:3-4), etc.] to whom God swore He would deliver their descendants
7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned.
Chosen – from all the peoples of the earth
9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice
The Passover
and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution,
The Passover meal created a family which celebrated with a religious unity.
That your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.
2nd Reading - Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Today we begin a study of the Book of Hebrews. The last time we studied Hebrews in any depth was the 27th through 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time in Cycle B. Today we take up our study essentially where we left off at that time.
The epistles are arranged in the Bible first by author, and then in order of descending length. Hebrews appears after the letters of Paul and before the Epistle of James. This is because although early tradition, in the main, attributed this text to Saint Paul, the western church did not accept Pauline authorship until the 4th century. The letter’s canonicity is not in doubt; it was included in the canon by the Council of Trent (April 8, 1546) among the other writings of Saint Paul, although the council chose not to state categorically that it was written by Paul. (Note how the letter is announced for the Mass reading “A reading from the letter to the Hebrews”). At any rate, who wrote it is a secondary question which has nothing to do with matters of faith.
The letter was probably written in Italy after A.D. 63 and before A.D. 70 (somewhere around A.D. 67 would be a good guess). It was obviously written to people whom the author knew to be steeped in the Old Testament, people who in all probability were converts from Judaism, and who may previously have even been priests or Levites. After becoming Christians, because of the difficult circumstances of the time, they had to abandon Jerusalem, the holy city, to seek refuge elsewhere; possibly Caesarea or Antioch. In their exile they look back with nostalgia on the splendor of the cult they played a part in prior to their conversion. They feel deceived and are tempted to give up their new faith, in which they are not yet well grounded. In addition to this they are discontented by the persecution they suffer because of their faith. Obviously, they are in need of help and in particular of clear doctrine to bolster their faith and enable them to cope with temptation to infidelity.
As we learned last year in our study of the letter to the Hebrews, the basic teaching centers on showing the superiority of the Christian religion over Judaism. The arrangement is developed in three stages:
1) Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, the King of the universe “reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature” and is superior to the angels.
2) Christ is also superior to Moses “as the builder of a house has more honor than the house.”
3) Jesus, the Son of God, is the greatest high priest who has passed through the heavens; His priesthood is of the order of Melchizadek, superior to the priesthood of Aaron, from which the Levitical priesthood derived.
Theological faith is closely linked to hope. Today, with this lesson in mind, we hear of the faith of Abraham.
11:1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. 2 Because of it the ancients were well attested.
“‘Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.’ Wowee! What an expression he uses! He says, ‘evidence of things not seen!’ It is usual to speak of evidence in regard to things that are very plainly seen. Faith, he says, is the full assurance that is had with things that are seen. Neither is it possible to disbelieve in things that are seen, nor again is it possible for there to be faith unless one is as fully persuaded about things invisible as he is about things most clearly seen. Since objects of hope seem to be unsubstantial, faith favors them with substance; or rather, it does not so favor them, but it is the substance. For example, the resurrection has not come, nor does it exist substantially, but hope makes it subsist in our soul. This is what he means when he says ‘the realization of what is hoped for.’” [Saint John Chrysostom (ca. A.D. 403), Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews 21,2(4)]
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. 9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,
Abraham’s faith is exemplified by his obedience to God’s command to migrate to Canaan (note it is not by faith alone, but by living out that faith that Abraham is declared righteous) and by his confidence that his descendants would possess the land, although he would only be a wanderer in it.
dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;
The faith of Isaac and Jacob is mentioned in passing.
10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.
Abraham’s stay in Canaan is an indication of his realization that his permanent dwelling was not to be anywhere on earth, but in the heavenly city (the heavenly Jerusalem).
11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age--and Sarah herself was sterile – for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. 12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead,
An exaggerated description of Abraham’s advanced age (100) at the time of Isaac’s birth.
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore. 13 All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, 14 for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland.
“We all look toward the East when we pray; but few know that it is because we are looking for our own former country, Paradise, which God planted in Eden in the East (Genesis 2:8). On the first day of the week, we stand when we pray; but not all of us know why. The reason is that on the day of the resurrection, by standing at prayer, we remind ourselves of the grace we have received.” [Saint Basil the Great (A.D. 375), The Holy Spirit 27,66]
15 If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one.
All the patriarchs acknowledged that their homeland was in heaven.
Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises
Abraham’s faith is a classic case. His hopes for the fulfillment of God’s promise were bound up with the boy but Abraham, through faith, knew that God was instructing him to live out the divine plan.
was ready to offer his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” 19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
The author sees Isaac’s deliverance from death as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ.
Gospel - Luke 12:32-48
Jesus, having told the disciples of the external problems they will encounter such as that of the Pharisees, whose leven is hypocrisy, now tells them of internal problems caused by selfish Church officials.
[Jesus said to His disciples:] 32 “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
To His struggling, opposed, and small group of disciples Jesus promises what is all-important: the kingdom; the powers of which are operative in their group.
33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. 34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Don’t worry about material goods, share. Matthew 6:21 gives this in a negative form: “do not lay up treasures on earth.” Saint Luke’s account is more positive and demanding.
35 “Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants
One who gives service to the Christian community
who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
This role reversal is significant and underscores God’s absolute gratuity. The servant who is faithful during the time of fulfillment before the parousia will share in the banquet in the end times.
37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And should he come in the second or third watch
The times for the changing of the watch were midnight and sunrise.
and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. 39 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said,
Peter is the spokesman for the group. Notice that Jesus ignores the question, implying that it was out of place.
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time?
More seems to be involved than mere foodstuffs. Could this be a reference to communal meals such as the Eucharist?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk,
Echoes of verse 19 sound: The Church official has taken on some of the characteristics of the fool.
46 then that 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 unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.
The punishments for unfaithful and negligent Church officials are stark. Community officials must be faithful and not create internal problems for the Church.
“Indeed, the more superior is a rational nature, so much the worse is its ruin; and the more unbelievable is its sin, so much more the damnable it is. The angel, therefore, fell irreparably, because more is demanded of him to whom more is given... Adam, the first man, was of such an excellent nature, because that nature was not yet weakened, that his sin was much greater by far than are the sins of other men. Therefore his punishment too, which was the immediate consequence of his sin, seemed much more severe. It had been in Adam’s power not to die; but now he was immediately bound by the necessity of dying, and he was immediately sent away from the place of such great happiness; and he was immediately barred from access to the tree of life. But when this was done, the human race was still in his loins. ... Thus all the sons of Adam were infected through him with the contagion of sin and were subjected to the state of death.” [Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 428-430), The Unfinished Work Against Julian’s Second Reply, 6,22]
Meditation: "The Lord knocks at the door -
Who will answer?"
What is the greatest joy and treasure we could
possibly possess? The Lord Jesus promises that those who seek God and his
kingdom first will not be disappointed (Luke 12:32, Matthew 6:33). The Lord
Jesus offers us the greatest treasure possible - but we must first seek it and
make it our true joy and possession above all else. We naturally want to have
and keep whatever we think will bring us happiness, peace, and security. Jesus
offers a priceless treasure and source of abundant joy and security that is
worth selling all else for.
The priceless exchange and everlasting reward
Jesus tells his followers to not be fearful or anxious about their present lives and future security (Luke 12:32). He urges them to sell their possessions and to give their money to those who need it most - especially those who have nothing to provide for their present needs and welfare (Luke 12:33). This seems to go against our natural instinct to hoard and save for the future. Why would anyone want to sell their possessions and give away their money - unless they wanted to exchange these goods for something far more precious and of greater value than all the money and possessions they could ever hope to acquire in this present life.
Jesus tells his followers to not be fearful or anxious about their present lives and future security (Luke 12:32). He urges them to sell their possessions and to give their money to those who need it most - especially those who have nothing to provide for their present needs and welfare (Luke 12:33). This seems to go against our natural instinct to hoard and save for the future. Why would anyone want to sell their possessions and give away their money - unless they wanted to exchange these goods for something far more precious and of greater value than all the money and possessions they could ever hope to acquire in this present life.
Jesus warns that money and possessions will not last
and can be taken away at any moment by a thief or by death itself. But there is
one treasure which can never be lost or destroyed because it is kept secure by
God himself. What is that treasure? It is the Lord himself and his kingdom of
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). This treasure
is worth far more than anything we could possibly acquire on our own. If you
make the Lord your treasure, then you will have in your possession the greatest
source of joy and lasting peace and security. The wisdom of Scripture tells us, If
the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight
yourself in the Almighty, and will turn your face toward God (Job
22:25-26). Do you know the joy and happiness of making God your one and only
true treasure and security?
The Lord knocks at our door - will we
answer him?
What is the meaning of the parable of the master who returns from a wedding feast to his home in the middle of the night (Luke 12:35-40)? The door to one's house in the ancient world was usually bolted from the inside, especially at night to keep out thieves and troublemakers. It was not possible to enter from the outside without help from someone inside. Household attendants (domestic servants) who knew their master's voice were expected to be always vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required an attentive watchfulness and listening ear for any sign of the master's approach. No distraction, not even sleep, could be allowed to interfere with the preparation for the master's return. If the servants failed to hear the voice of their master's return, they literally shut him out since he could not unbolt the door from the outside - only they could open the door from within and allow him to enter. Their failure to welcome and serve the master on his return brought shame and dishonor.
What is the meaning of the parable of the master who returns from a wedding feast to his home in the middle of the night (Luke 12:35-40)? The door to one's house in the ancient world was usually bolted from the inside, especially at night to keep out thieves and troublemakers. It was not possible to enter from the outside without help from someone inside. Household attendants (domestic servants) who knew their master's voice were expected to be always vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required an attentive watchfulness and listening ear for any sign of the master's approach. No distraction, not even sleep, could be allowed to interfere with the preparation for the master's return. If the servants failed to hear the voice of their master's return, they literally shut him out since he could not unbolt the door from the outside - only they could open the door from within and allow him to enter. Their failure to welcome and serve the master on his return brought shame and dishonor.
If the Lord Jesus knocked on your door today would you
be ready and eager to receive him? He wants us to be prepared for his coming -
today, tomorrow, at the hour of our departure from this life (our death), and
when he comes again at the end of this present world to to judge all living and
dead. The Lord will reward those who have believed in him. The Lord Jesus
knocks on the door of our heart each and every day. Do we listen to his word
and receive it with trust and joy. The Lord calls to each of us and he says,
"Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and
open the door, I will come in and we will eat together" (Revelations
3:20). Do you hunger for the Lord and for the treasure of his kingdom?
The Lord comes to reward his faithful servants
Jesus' parable adds an unexpected reward for those who have patiently and faithfully waited for his return. When the master reaches home from the wedding feast at a late hour of the night, he does the unthinkable for his servants who are present to welcome him. He seats his servants at his own banquet table, and then begins to personally wait on them and serve them with a rich feast of choice food and drink as a reward for their faithfulness to him (Luke 12:37). Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best he has to offer - a royal feast fit for a king and his loyal subjects. Are you prepared to feast with the Lord at his banquet table?
Jesus' parable adds an unexpected reward for those who have patiently and faithfully waited for his return. When the master reaches home from the wedding feast at a late hour of the night, he does the unthinkable for his servants who are present to welcome him. He seats his servants at his own banquet table, and then begins to personally wait on them and serve them with a rich feast of choice food and drink as a reward for their faithfulness to him (Luke 12:37). Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best he has to offer - a royal feast fit for a king and his loyal subjects. Are you prepared to feast with the Lord at his banquet table?
Jesus' parable has an important
lesson for each one of us. Just as Jesus was faithful and ready to obey his
Father in everything - even to the point of laying down his life on the cross
for us, we, too are called to be faithful and obedient to the Lord's will for
our lives. How can we grow in faithfulness and obedience to the Lord? The Lord
gives us his Holy Spirit who frees us from pride and fear, so we can hear the
Lord and embrace his way of love and faithfulness. If we fail, the Lord will
not fail us. He gives strength to the weak and to those who turn to him with
trust in his mercy and help. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with his Holy
Spirit and with a holy desire to seek the Lord and his kingdom first above all
else.
"Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May there be nothing in this world that holds me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The true meaning of 'loins girded and lamps burning', by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May there be nothing in this world that holds me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The true meaning of 'loins girded and lamps burning', by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"The girding of our loins (Luke 12:25) signifies
the readiness of the mind to work hard in every thing praiseworthy. Those who
apply themselves to bodily labors and are engaged in strenuous toil have their
loins girded. The lamp apparently represents the wakefulness of the mind and
intellectual cheerfulness. We say that the human mind is awake when it repels
any tendency to slumber off into that carelessness that often is the means of
bringing it into subjection to every kind of wickedness. When sunk in stupor,
the heavenly light within the mind is liable to be endangered, or even already
is in danger from a violent and impetuous blast of wind. Christ commands us to
be awake. To this, his disciple also arouses us by saying, 'Be awake. Be
watchful' (1 Peter 5:8). Further on, the very wise Paul also says, 'Awake, O
sleeper, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall give you light' (Ephesians
5:14)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE,
HOMILY 92)
NINETEENTH
SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, LUKE 12:32-48 or 12:35-40
(Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, LUKE 12:32-48 or 12:35-40
(Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12)
KEY VERSE: "You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (v 40).
TO KNOW: The early Church expected the imminent return of Jesus Christ. In speaking of his second coming (parousia), Jesus described himself as a master returning from a wedding and expecting to find his servants vigilant on his arrival. Jesus made the unlikely comparison of himself to a thief in the night (1Thes 5:2). He pointed to the uncertain hour of his return by telling his disciples to be prepared whenever he might come. The faithful servant who watched over the household (the Church) would be rewarded for their fidelity when the master returned. Unfaithful servants would be punished for their shameful behavior. Jesus warned these future leaders of the Church that they would be held more accountable than those who acted out of ignorance. Christian leaders today must continue to exercise care for the Church, which has been entrusted to them. They should never leave a task undone that ought to be finished before Christ's return.
TO LOVE: Am I a good steward of the time, treasure and talents the Lord has given me?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be your faithful and trustworthy servant.
Sunday 7 August 2016
Sun
7th. 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Wisdom
18:6-9. Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own—Ps 32(33):1, 12, 18-20, 22. Hebrews
11:1-2, 8-19. Luke 12:32-48.
'Do
not be afraid', Jesus says to us all, yet fear permeates our society; fear of
unemployment, fear of financial loss, fear of misadventure, fear of illness,
and so the list goes on. We spend time worrying about things over which we have
very little control anyway. Jesus tells us to spend the time we have to be
ready to receive Him.
As faithful disciples Jesus calls us to have an attitude of readiness and hope, however long the waiting may be. Faithful disciples will prepare for their meeting with the Lord by giving themselves generously to the daily activities of life in a just, humble and loving manner. When the Lord does come the fulfilment of hope will exceed all expectations and imaginings.
'Lord, give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.'
As faithful disciples Jesus calls us to have an attitude of readiness and hope, however long the waiting may be. Faithful disciples will prepare for their meeting with the Lord by giving themselves generously to the daily activities of life in a just, humble and loving manner. When the Lord does come the fulfilment of hope will exceed all expectations and imaginings.
'Lord, give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.'
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
|
A Gift to Be Shared
|
God does not only give us life: he gives us the earth, he gives us
all of creation. He does not only give man a partner and endless possibilities:
he also gives human beings a task. He invites them to be a part of his creative
work and he says: Cultivate it!
August 7
St. Cajetan
(1480-1557)
St. Cajetan
(1480-1557)
Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for
an “ordinary” life—first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in the work of
the Roman Curia.
His life took a characteristic turn when he joined the
Oratory of Divine Love in Rome, a group devoted to piety and charity, shortly
after his ordination at 36. When he was 42 he founded a hospital for incurables
at Venice. At Vicenza, he joined a “disreputable” religious community that
consisted only of men of the lowest stations of life—and was roundly censured
by his friends, who thought his action was a reflection on his family. He
sought out the sick and poor of the town and served them.
The greatest need of the time was the reformation of a
Church that was “sick in head and members.” Cajetan and three friends decided
that the best road to reformation lay in reviving the spirit and zeal of the
clergy. (One of them later became Paul IV.) Together they founded a
congregation known as the Theatines (from Teate [Chieti] where their
first superior-bishop had his see). They managed to escape to Venice after
their house in Rome was wrecked when Emperor Charles V’s troops sacked Rome in
1527. The Theatines were outstanding among the Catholic reform movements that
took shape before the Protestant Reformation. He founded a monte de
pieta (“mountain [or fund] of piety”) in Naples—one of many
charitable, nonprofit credit organizations that lent money on the security of
pawned objects. The purpose was to help the poor and protect them against
usurers. Cajetan’s little organization ultimately became the Bank of Naples,
with great changes in policy.
Story:
When Cajetan was sent to establish a house of his
congregation in Naples, a count tried to prevail upon him to accept an estate
in lands. He refused. The count pointed out that he would need the money, for
the people of Naples were not as generous as the people of Venice. “That may be
true,” replied Cajetan, “but God is the same in both cities.”
Comment:
If Vatican II had been summarily stopped after its first session in 1962, many Catholics would have felt that a great blow had been dealt to the growth of the Church. Cajetan had the same feeling about the Council of Trent (1545-63). But, as he said, God is the same in Naples as in Venice, with or without Trent or Vatican II. We open ourselves to God’s power in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, and God’s will is done. God’s standards of success differ from ours.
If Vatican II had been summarily stopped after its first session in 1962, many Catholics would have felt that a great blow had been dealt to the growth of the Church. Cajetan had the same feeling about the Council of Trent (1545-63). But, as he said, God is the same in Naples as in Venice, with or without Trent or Vatican II. We open ourselves to God’s power in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, and God’s will is done. God’s standards of success differ from ours.
LECTIO DIVINA: 19TH SUNDAY OF
ORDINARY TIME (C)
Lectio Divina: Sunday, August 7, 2016
The teaching of Jesus concerning
vigilance
Luke
12:32-48
Opening prayer
Come,
Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
You
who have already come to make us faithful,
come
now to make us blessed.
You
who have come so that, with your help,
we
may glory in the hope of sharing
in
the glory of the children of God,
come
again that we may also glory in its possession.
It is
you who confirm, consolidate,
perfect
and bring to fulfilment.
The
Father created us, the Son redeemed us:
fulfil
then that which is yours.
Introduce
us to the whole truth,
to
the enjoyment of the highest Good,
to
the vision of the Father, the abundance of all delights,
the
joy of joys. Amen
(Gualtiero
di S. Vittore)
1. Lectio
a) A
key to the reading:
We
have here a double context: the formation of the disciples during Jesus’
journey towards Jerusalem (9:51-19,28) and the reaction of the converted pagans
in the communities of Luke after their initial enthusiasm and the prolonged
coming of the Lord. The disciples are scared (9:45) at the new idea of the
mission of Jesus who has to suffer (9:22.43-44), and in them continues to
dominate the more comforting idea of a glorious Messiah. Similarly, in the new
Christian communities (in the 80’s), there begins to grow a revival of the
pagan spirit. Better wait before converting definitely and deeply, put off this
change of life and way of thinking. Jesus assures his disciples with three
parables and makes them reflect on the meaning of meeting with God, on the
meaning of vigilance and of the responsibility of each one in the present
situation.
b) A
suggested division of the text:
12:32-35
introduction
12:36-38
the parable of the master who returns from his wedding
12:39
the parable of the thief who forces his way
12:40-41
the disciples implicated
12:42-46
the parable of the steward
12:47-48
conclusion
c)
The text:
32
"Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you
the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with
purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail,
where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
Luke
12:32-4835 "Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, 36 and be
like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast,
so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are
those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to you,
he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve
them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so,
blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the householder had known
at what hour the thief was coming, he would have been awake and would not have
left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready; for the Son of man
is coming at an unexpected hour." 41 Peter said, "Lord, are you
telling this parable for us or for all?" 42 And the Lord said, "Who
then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household,
to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that
servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. 44 Truly, I say to
you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to
himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants
and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that
servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does
not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that
servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to
his will, shall receive a severe beating. 48 But he who did not know, and did
what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much
is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they
will demand the more.
2. A moment of prayerful silence
so
that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
a) A
few questions:
-
What did I feel when I read the text? Fear, trust, surprise, joy, hope,
confusion. . .?
- How
far does Christian life mean joy to me and how far is it a burden? How far is
it a matter of duty and how far of love?
-
What do I feel when I think of a sudden death for me?
- How
far is communion with God still an expectation for me and how far something
that I already possess?
- How
does the pagan thinking of “carpe diem”, contrary to Gospel values, manifest
itself today?
- In
my life, what does it mean to be vigilant, faithful, working for the Kingdom
and prepared?
b) A
commentary:
This
is a catechesis on the return of the Lord.
12:32
There is no reason for fear.
Fear
not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you his
kingdom. When the disciples are facing fear, Jesus consoles them with the
metaphor of the flock (Jn 10; 21:15-17) and the good shepherd. One must fear
false prophets (Mt 7:15). The Father’s will is that not one be lost (Mt
18:12-16), He will give us everything (Rom 8:28-32). A place has been prepared
for us from the beginning of time (Mt 25:34), we are heirs with the Son (1Pt
1:3-5).
12:33-34
Today we welcome the richness of possessing God, the only good. God alone
suffices!
Sell
your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not
grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief
approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your
heart be also.
Jesus
had said that we must not store up treasures (Mt 6:20-21). The Christian
community had understood the meaning of freedom from attachment to goods and
the sharing of them (Acts 4:34) because time was short (1Cor 7:29-31). The new
life in Christ becomes the criterion for ownership of any possession.
12:35
A daily commitment.
Let
your loins be girded and your lamps burning;
Because
it has pleased the Father to give us the kingdom, we must be ready to take
possession of it, after we have left behind every hindrance. The Jews girded
their long robes at the waist so as to be able to work better. Elijah girds
himself in order to run (1Kings 18:46). The attitude that Jesus recommends to
those who are expecting his coming is that of getting down to work and not to
give in to mediocrity (1Ts 5:6-8; 1Pt 5:8; 1:13). Vigilance is fundamental for
the Christian. The Christian’s way of life is more than just an attitude for
he/she has now put on Christ and is dedicated to his Kingdom.
12:37-38
Meeting God will be wonderful.
Blessed
are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; truly, I say to
you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he come and serve
them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so,
blessed are those servants!
The
action of the master who serves his servants is quite surprising! This was what
Jesus did when he washed the feet of his disciples (Jn 13:4-5). The division of
the night into parts (Mk 13:35) according to Roman custom, makes it more
difficult for those watching. For those who are creatively faithful to the
Lord, the future is guaranteed.
12:39
Let us not waste time (and money!) in trying to look into the future.
But
know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming,
he would have been awake and would not have left his house to be broken into.
One
argument in favour of vigilance is that we do not know when the Lord will come
(Mt. 24:42-51). Both the day of the final judgement and of our individual death
are unknown. His coming cannot be foreseen (Ap 3:3). This made a great
impression on the disciples (1Ts 2:1-2; 2Pt 3:10).
12:40-41
Love not formal membership must be our strength.
You
also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour. Peter
said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?”
Peter,
his old self, still thinks of getting some privileges because he had left
everything behind to follow Jesus (Mt 19:27). Jesus helps Peter grow in
conscience by answering indirectly through the parable of the good steward.
Conversion
is a life-long process, also for those who feel close to the Lord.
12:42-44
Combining vigilance and faithful service to the task entrusted to us.
And
the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will
set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing.
Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
Luke
uses “steward” rather than “servant” (Mt 24:45) almost suggesting the question
made by Peter. Those responsible, particularly, have to be faithful in their
service.
12:45-46
Not putting off our conversion to an indefinite tomorrow.
But
if that servant says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming,” and begins
to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get
drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect
him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him with the unfaithful.
There
are those who welcomed enthusiastically the Gospel message, but now, faced with
present difficulties and consequent commitments, begin to take up once more
their old habits: violence, intemperance, not following instincts. All values
that are contrary to the Gospel.
12:47
Giving according to the measure that we have received.
That
servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to
his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what
deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating.
The
Lord will reward each one according to his/her deeds (Mt 16:27) and according
to the grace received (Rom 11:11-24). Jews, pagans, converted persons or those
faithful to their religion will be judged according to their right conscience.
12:48
For great will be the eternal communion with God.
Every
one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men
commit much they will demand the more.
St.
John of the Cross says that at the end of life we will be judged on love. See
also Mt 25:15-16.
3. Psalm 33, 1-5; 13-15; 18-22
Rejoice
in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise
befits the upright.
Praise
the Lord with the lyre,
make
melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing
to him a new song,
play
skilfully on the strings,
with
loud shouts.
For
the word of the Lord is upright;
and
all his work is done in faithfulness.
He
loves righteousness and justice;
the earth
is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
The
Lord looks down from heaven,
he
sees all the sons of men;
from
where he sits enthroned
he
looks forth on all the inhabitants of the earth,
he
who fashions the hearts of them all,
and
observes all their deeds.
Behold,
the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on
those who hope in his steadfast love,
that
he may deliver their soul from death,
and
keep them alive in famine.
Our
soul waits for the Lord;
he is
our help and shield.
Yea,
our heart is glad in him,
because
we trust in his holy name.
Let
thy steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even
as we hope in thee.
4. Closing prayer
Father,
may the same faith burn in our hearts as that flame that urged Abraham to live
on earth as a pilgrim. May our light never dim, so that, vigilant in
expectation of your hour, we may be ushered by you into our eternal homeland
(Collect 19th Sunday C).
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