Sunday Scripture Readings

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nineteenth sunday

in ordinary time,

august 12

Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33;

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48 OUR GOOD NEWS: Let's get going! God's glory shines only on those who are always ready. "Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for our Father is pleased to give you the kingdom" (Gospel). The community of Jesus' faithful followers was originally, and may be destined to remain, a "little flock." Small in number, weak and helpless in the face of threats and dangers, we his sheep can easily succumb to fear. But we can count on Jesus, the Good Shepherd! Generous and selfless, he wants to share his kingship with us - power exercised only to give it away! "Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out." For our part, like Abraham (second reading), true faith means a willingness to let go of transitory possessions and a readiness to accept eternal blessings. Concretely, this implies a healthy detachment as a prerequisite for salvation. "Sell your belongings and give alms." Attention switches from condemning anxiety over possessions to our being spiritually prepared for the Son of Man's coming. Three parables emphasize that the uncertain time remaining be spent profitably. "Be alert!" may seem an odd summation of our Christian lifestyle. Aren't we supposed to be always busy, doing things? In fact, this brief command represents an ongoing application of Jesus' summons to repentance now. There is no getting ready, always be ready! Again like Abraham and Sarah (second reading), we must be quick to move out and move on, not bogged down in false securities of the status quo, capable of functioning comfortably and effectively without knowing precisely where we're going. Such "watching" demands open-mindedness, a sense of further possibilities, with the present never having the last word. It calls for a creative atmosphere of tentativeness, an openness to newness and willingness to change. (Where and how am I unwilling to change the things I can, and to accept the things I cannot change?) "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." However difficult and challenging to our sinful laziness and narcissism, the reward for remaining "wide awake" is a truly breathtaking, a reassuring revelation about the God we serve. He will slave for us, his slaves, in response to our faithful service. "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." Jesus concluded today's reading by emphasizing that our responsibility is relative to our potential. In his parable, every servant is judged in proportion to his knowledge of his master's will. All must work, but those with more information about the master's plans must take the initiative and see that the job is done. Gifts moreover are given in order to be used. God demands more of us who are blessed with greater talents and scope for service. In sum, Jesus expects of us persistent, daily fidelity, dedication to our responsibilities, and initiative and creativity.