Gospel Reading: Lk 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, DEPENDENCE ON GOD Lk 12:32-48 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 him 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.
Reflection
FAITH IS THE REALIZATION OF THINGS HOPED FOR… OF THINGS NOT SEEN
The Second Reading describes faith as “the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Though not attempting a precise technical or theological definition, the author paints an inspiring portrait of religious faith, drawing upon the people and events of the Old Testament, and gives what the New American Bible considers “the most extensive description of faith provided in the New Testament.” In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples to seek security not in the realities of this world but in the treasures of God’s Kingdom. He exhorts them to be steadfast in their faith, staying ready and prepared even when the fulfillment of that faith is long in coming. Jesus then gives an illustration in servants who are entrusted with the management of the household. No one knows just when the master will return. A wise servant, therefore, will always be vigilant, since the master may return any moment and will expect to find everything in order. The Gospel illustrates for us the importance of being ready and prepared for the many ways our God visits us in our lives. We are often beset with hardship and failure, pain and anguish, tragedy and disappointment; our dreams, hopes, and plans are frequently thwarted. Abraham’s example tells us to continue hoping in God’s love even though we cannot feel it and to keep on waiting in patient trust. Life on earth is a journey in faith and a pilgrimage of hope. For this journey we are given enough light to take the next step. As John Henry Cardinal Newman prayed, “Lead, kindly Light… Lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene – one step enough for me.”
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