Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 475
Lectionary: 475
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation,
as I have written briefly earlier.
When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace
that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation,
as I have written briefly earlier.
When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace
that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
Responsorial
PsalmISAIAH 12:2-3, 4BCD, 5-6
R. (see 3) You will draw water
joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
AlleluiaMT 24:42A, 44
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake!
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“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, he will put him
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.”
“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, he will put him
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.”
Meditation: "Be ready to
answer - the Lord draws near"
What lesson can we draw from Jesus' parable about a thief in
the night and the parable of the rich master who returns unexpectedly to reward
or dismiss his servants for how they have served his estate while he was away?
Both parables confront us with the possibility of losing everything we possess
and treasure now as well as the future inheritance that is saved up for
us.
The thief in the night
Jesus' story (parable) of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for careful watchfulness and staying alert to avert the danger of plunder and loss of livelhood (all that we need to sustain us now and in the future). The thief comes uninvited, 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 invites serious loss for those who have not kept their home and treasure secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
Jesus' story (parable) of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for careful watchfulness and staying alert to avert the danger of plunder and loss of livelhood (all that we need to sustain us now and in the future). The thief comes uninvited, 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 invites serious loss for those who have not kept their home and treasure secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!
Don't lose the treasure of God's kingdom
What kind of treasure does the Lord Jesus expect us to vigilantly guard and protect in this present life? It is the treasure of his kingdom and the gifts and graces he has won for us - the gift of salvation purchased by the blood of Christ who died for us on the cross to free us from slavery to sin and Satan, and the gift of abundant new life which Christ won for us through his resurection victory over death, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us and empower us with supernatural faith, hope, and love that endure forever. The Father and the Son come to dwell in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit who makes his home with us. But we can lose the treasure and gifts of God if we do not guard our hearts and minds and hold to the truth of God's word and live according to his wise precepts, teaching, and just laws. Whose voice and counsel do you trust and follow?
What kind of treasure does the Lord Jesus expect us to vigilantly guard and protect in this present life? It is the treasure of his kingdom and the gifts and graces he has won for us - the gift of salvation purchased by the blood of Christ who died for us on the cross to free us from slavery to sin and Satan, and the gift of abundant new life which Christ won for us through his resurection victory over death, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us and empower us with supernatural faith, hope, and love that endure forever. The Father and the Son come to dwell in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit who makes his home with us. But we can lose the treasure and gifts of God if we do not guard our hearts and minds and hold to the truth of God's word and live according to his wise precepts, teaching, and just laws. Whose voice and counsel do you trust and follow?
Satan comes like a thief in the night to rob us of our faith
and to draw us away from God's will for our lives. Satan works in the "world"
(that society of men and women who are opposed to God and his commandments) and
with our own "flesh" (those sinful inclinations within us that tempt
us to do what is wrong and evil). And Satan wispers to us false promises to
make us believe that we can find happiness and joy apart from God and his will
for us.
The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that our hearts apart from
God are easily deceived (Jeremiah 17:9). How easily we put off for another day
what God requires of us today - to walk humbly, repent sincerely, forgive
quickly, and to trust in his merciful love and grace at all times. God offers
us his mercy and abundant grace (his divine presence, power, and wise counsel)
to turn away from sin, deception, and disobedience. But we must not presume that
we can put off for another day what must be done today.
The Lord Jesus reminds us that the "Day of the
Lord" will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Will we be ready
to receive the Lord when he comes to speak to us today, and when he ushers us
to stand before his throne and meet him face-to-face to hear his final verdict
on the Day of Judgment. Which verdict do you wish to hear? In Matthew's Gospel
account, Jesus opens the curtain of the heavenly court room and gives a glimpse
of his verdict on that day:
34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come,
O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was
naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and
you came to me.' ...41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from
me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42
for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no
drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not
clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' - Matthew
25:34-36, 41-43
The Lord rewards those who are faithful and wise
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 one servant for his faithful loyalty and devoted service to his master. He has performed his service dutifully and has done all that the master required of him.
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 one servant for his faithful loyalty and devoted service to his master. He has performed his service dutifully and has done all that the master required of him.
He punishes the other servant who was disloyal, disobedient,
and acted shamefully. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was
frequently absent from his work and misused his master's money for personal
gain by throwing lavish parties (eating and drinking) for his friends. The
disloyal 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. When the master returns and discovers the unfaithful servant who has
wasted his master's goods and mistreated his fellow servants, the master gives
him what he deserves. He dismisses him from his service and throws him out of
his house - and sends him to the worst of possible places - 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? The master rewards his faithful
servants with honor, blessing, and promotion in his service, and he gives to
his disobedient and unfaithful servants the just punishment they deserve - the
loss of honor, privilege, and joy of sharing in the master's good friendship
forever.
Are you ready to meet the Lord?
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, strength, and help we need to turn away from own sin and 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 face to face when he returns. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life. Are you ready to receive his grace and help today to walk in faithfulness and obedience, trust and hope, steadfast love and mercy?
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, strength, and help we need to turn away from own sin and 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 face to face when he returns. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life. Are you ready to receive his grace and help today to walk in faithfulness and obedience, trust and hope, steadfast love and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart for you. 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. May I always be watchful
and ready to answer when you draw near."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: God's
great promise for faithful and wise servants, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254
AD)
"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so
doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and
wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take
authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke
19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other
than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to
reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as
Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'
(Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his
Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and
wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and
authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set
him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY
ON MATTHEW 62)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, LUKE 12:39-48
Weekday
(Ephesians 3:2-12; Psalm:Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6)
Weekday
(Ephesians 3:2-12; Psalm:Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6)
KEY VERSE: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much" (v. 48).
TO KNOW: Jesus told his disciples a parable about being prepared for his coming, which would occur when they least expected. In his story, a master's servants were waiting for his return from a wedding banquet. Though he was delayed, the prudent servant did not neglect his tasks. In contrast, the wicked servants took advantage of their master's absence by indulging in scandalous behavior, mistreating their fellow "menservants and maidservants" (v. 45). Jesus warned that such misconduct would be severely punished. He reminded his disciples, the future leaders of the Church, who had been entrusted with a great responsibility to hand on his authentic teachings. Therefore, they would be held more accountable than those who acted out of ignorance of their "master's will" (v. 47).
TO LOVE: Pray for the leaders of the Church to be faithful and responsible stewards?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be diligent in my tasks while awaiting your coming glory.
Optional Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary
Claret, bishop
Anthony Mary Claret was ordained to the priesthood in 1835, and assigned as pastor in Catalonia, Spain. His apostolate consisted of rural preaching, conferences for the clergy and publications (he wrote more than 150 books). In 1849 Anthony gathered together five priests who formed the basis of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (popularly known as the Claretians). At the suggestion of the Queen of Spain, Isabella II, Anthony was named archbishop of Santiago, Cuba (1850). For the next seven years he made pastoral visitations, preached against the slavery of the Africans, and regularized numerous marriages. As a result of his activity he was frequently threatened with death and on one occasion an attempt was actually made on his life. In 1857 he was recalled to Spain as confessor to the queen. He followed Isabella II into exile and was placed under house arrest in the Cistercian monastery at Fontfroide, France, where he died at the age of 63. His remains were ultimately returned to Spain. He was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
UNITED NATIONS DAY
United Nations Day was established by Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the founding of the United Nations in 1945. It is generally recognized by all states and American possessions, and by countries that are members of the United Nations. United Nations Day is celebrated for the purpose of informing all people of the world as to the aims, purposes, and achievements of the UN, such as UNICEF (International Children's Emergency Fund), UNESCO (U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization).
Wednesday 24
October 2018
St Anthony Mary Claret.
Ephesians 3:2-12. Isaiah 12:2-6.
Luke 12:39-48.
You will draw water joyfully from
the springs of salvation – Isaiah 12:2-6.
‘From everyone to whom much has
been given much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been
entrusted much more will be demanded.’
The final parable in today’s
reading from Luke ends with these amazing words. The characters in this
parable, slaves and their masters, are not everyday people for us. Yet the
words that Jesus uses to explain the parable are still relevant.
At every level of society people
are given responsibility for the wellbeing of others. We are then expected to
be trustworthy in exercising that responsibility. Yet it is so easy to use our
role to take advantage of others and pamper ourselves. Jesus’ words call us to
integrity.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret
Saint of the Day for October 24
(December 23, 1807 – October 24,
1870)
 |
| Saint Anthony Mary Claret | Saints in Rome and Beyond |
Saint Anthony Mary Claret’s
Story
The “spiritual father of Cuba” was
a missionary, religious founder, social reformer, queen’s chaplain, writer and
publisher, archbishop, and refugee. He was a Spaniard whose work took him to
the Canary Islands, Cuba, Madrid, Paris, and to the First Vatican Council.
In his spare time as weaver and
designer in the textile mills of Barcelona, Anthony learned Latin and printing:
The future priest and publisher was preparing. Ordained at 28, he was prevented
by ill health from entering religious life as a Carthusian or as a Jesuit, but
went on to become one of Spain’s most popular preachers.
Anthony spent 10 years giving
popular missions and retreats, always placing great emphasis on the Eucharist
and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was said that his rosary was
never out of his hand. At age 42, he founded a religious institute of
missionaries beginning with five young priests, known today as the Claretians.
Anthony was appointed to head the
much-neglected archdiocese of Santiago in Cuba. He began its reform by almost
ceaseless preaching and hearing of confessions, and suffered bitter opposition
mainly for opposing concubinage and giving instruction to black slaves. A hired
assassin—whose release from prison Anthony had obtained—slashed open his face and
wrist. Anthony succeeded in getting the would-be assassin’s death sentence
commuted to a prison term. His solution for the misery of Cubans was
family-owned farms producing a variety of foods for the family’s own needs and
for the market. This invited the enmity of the vested interests who wanted
everyone to work on a single cash crop—sugar. Besides all his religious
writings are two books he wrote in Cuba: Reflections on Agriculture and Country
Delights.
He was recalled to Spain for a job
he did not relish—being chaplain for the queen. Anthony went on three
conditions: He would reside away from the palace; he would come only to hear
the queen’s confession and instruct the children; and he would be exempt from
court functions. In the revolution of 1868, he fled to Paris with the queen’s
party, where he preached to the Spanish colony.
All his life Anthony was
interested in the Catholic press. He founded the Religious Publishing House, a
major Catholic publishing venture in Spain, and wrote or published 200 books
and pamphlets.
At Vatican I, where he was a
staunch defender of the doctrine of infallibility, Anthony won the admiration
of his fellow bishops. Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore remarked of him, “There
goes a true saint.” At the age of 63, he died in exile near the border of
Spain.
Reflection
Jesus foretold that those who are
truly his representatives would suffer the same persecution as he did. Besides
14 attempts on his life, Anthony had to undergo such a barrage of the ugliest
slander that the very name Claret became a byword for humiliation and
misfortune. The powers of evil do not easily give up their prey. No one needs
to go looking for persecution. All we need to do is be sure we suffer because
of our genuine faith in Christ, not for our own whims and lack of prudence.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret is
Patron Saint of:
Weavers
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 12:39-48
Lectio Divina:
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
our source of power and
inspiration,
give us strength and joy
in serving you as followers of
Christ,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Luke 12,39-48
Jesus said to his disciples. 'You
may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time the
burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his
house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour
you do not expect.'
Peter said, 'Lord, do you mean
this parable for us, or for everyone?'
The Lord replied, 'Who, then, is
the wise and trustworthy steward whom the master will place over his household
to give them at the proper time their allowance of food?
Blessed that servant if his
master's arrival finds him doing exactly that. I tell you truly, he will put
him in charge of everything that he owns. But if the servant says to himself,
"My master is taking his time coming," and sets about beating the
menservants and the servant-girls, and eating and drinking and getting drunk,
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
unfaithful.
'The servant who knows what his
master wants, but has got nothing ready and done nothing in accord with those
wishes, will be given a great many strokes of the lash.
The one who did not know, but has
acted in such a way that he deserves a beating, will be given fewer strokes.
When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that
person; when someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more
will be expected.
3) Reflection
• Today’s Gospel presents again
the exhortation to vigilance with two other parables. Yesterday, it was the
parable of the Master and the servant (Lk 12, 36-38). Today, the first parable
is the one of the householder and the burglar (Lk 12, 39-40) and the other one
speaks of the master and the steward (Lk 12, 41-47).
• Luke 12, 39-40: The parable of
the householder and of the burglar. You may be quite sure of this, that if the
householder had known at what time the burglar would come, he would not have
let anyone break through the walls of the house. You too must stand ready,
because the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect. So just as the
householder does not know at what hour the burglar will come, in the same way,
no one knows the hour when the Son of Man will arrive. Jesus says this very
clearly: "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 worried about the end of the world. On the streets of the cities, we see
written on the walls: Jesus will return! There are even persons who are in
anguish because of the proximity of the end of the world, and they commit
suicide. But time goes by and the end of the world does not arrive! Many times
the affirmation “Jesus will return” is used to frighten people and oblige them
to go to church! After waiting and speculation about the coming of Jesus, many
people no longer perceive the presence in our midst, in the most common things
of life, or in daily events. What is important is not to know the hour of the
end of the world, but rather being capable of perceiving 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 every day life.
• Luke 12, 41: Peter’s question.
“Then, Peter said, Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone? The
reason for this question asked by Peter is not clearly understood. It recalls
another episode, in which Jesus responds to a similar question saying: “To you
it is granted to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them
it is not granted” (Mt 13, 10-11; Lk 8, 9-10).
• Luke 12, 42-48ª: The parable of
the householder and the steward. In the response to Peter’s question, Jesus
formulates another question in the form of a parable: “Who then is the wise and
trustworthy steward whom the master will place over his household to give them
at the proper time their allowance of food?” Immediately after, Jesus himself
gives the response in the parable: the good steward is the one who carries out
his mission of servant, he does not use the goods received for his own
advantage, and is always vigilant and attentive. Perhaps this is an indirect
response to Peter’s question, as if He would say: “Peter, the parable is really
for you! It is up to you to know how to administer well the mission which God
has given you: to coordinate the communities. In this sense, the response is
also valid for each one of us. And here the final warning acquire much sense:
“When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that
person; when someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more
will be expected”.
• The coming of the Son of Man and
the end of this world. The same problems existed in the Christian communities
of the first centuries. Many people of the communities said that the end of
this world was close at hand and that Jesus would return afterwards. Some from
the community of Thessalonica in Greece, basing themselves in Paul’s preaching
said: “Jesus will return!” (1 Th 4, 13-18; 2 Th 2, 2). And because of this,
there were even persons who no longer worked, because they thought that the
coming would be within a few days or few weeks. Why work if Jesus would return?
(cf 2 Th 3, 11). Paul responds that it was not so simple as it seemed, and to
those who did not work he would warn: “He who does not work has no right to
eat!” Others remained looking up to Heaven, waiting for the return of Jesus on
the clouds (cf. Ac 1,11). And others did not like to wait (2 P 3, 4-9). In
general the Christians lived expecting the imminent coming of Jesus. Jesus
would come for the Final Judgment to end the unjust history of this world here
below and to inaugurate a new phase of history, the definitive phase of the New
Heavens and the New Earth. They thought that it would take place after one or
two generations. Many people would still be alive when Jesus would appear
glorious in Heaven (1Th 4, 16-17; Mk 9, 1). Others, tired of waiting would say:
“He will never come back!” (2 P 3, 4). Even up until today, the final return of
Jesus has not yet taken place! How can this delay be understood? We are not
aware that Jesus has already returned, and that He is in our midst: “Look, I am
with you always, yes, till the end of time”. (Mt 28, 20). He is already at our side
in the struggle for justice, for peace and for life. The plenitude and the
fullness has not been attained, but an example or guarantee of the Kingdom is
already in our midst. This is why, we wait with firm hope for the total
liberation of humanity and of nature (Rm 8, 22-25). And when we wait and we
struggle, we say rightly: “He is already in our midst!” (Mt 25, 40).
4) Personal questions
• The response of Jesus to Peter
serves also for us, for me. Am I a good administrator of the mission which I
have received?
• What do I do in order to be
always vigilant?
5) Concluding prayer
From the rising of the sun to its
setting,
praised be the name of Yahweh!
Supreme over all nations is
Yahweh,
supreme over the heavens his
glory. (Ps 113,3-4)
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