NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

little brother avi bala bitra                                            07th August, 2022

 Our Christian faith is based on the personal love of God towards each one of us.  Through faith, wonders have been carried out throughout the ages. The readings of the day call us to faith, hope, and trust in God. In the Gospel of today, Jesus invites us as he tells his disciples not to be afraid because it is the Father’s desire to give us the kingdom. 

 In today’s First Reading, from the Book of wisdom, the author reminds us that people who gain wisdom through their relationship with God enjoy advantages in life. Here the author encourages the readers to persevere in their life of faith in spite of the opposition and difficulties.  

 The Second Reading tells us of the faith and patience of Abraham, his wife Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. Faith in the letter to the Hebrews involves trust and hope in God. Reviewing the faith of Abraham, we admire the Patriarch as he obeyed God and left his homeland for the Land promised by God. In his heart, he desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one, the inheritance of the promises of God.  Abraham did shine in his faith and obedience.

 The Gospel reading of today begins with an antidote of anxiety, to put aside all fear, to trust in God, and to spend all energy in serving others. Jesus is encouraging his followers that they have no need to be filled with worry or anxiety about how they will be provided for.

The way we handle material goods determines whether we have earthly treasures or treasures in heaven.  The Gospel is consistent in teaching us that true security is to be found not in wealth or possessions but in the providence of God. We see also a steward here. A steward is one who took care of the house and the servants in the absence of the master.  This man’s mistake was that he did what he liked when the master was away. He did not act in a responsible way.

 Jesus speaks to his Apostles and to all people in general: Do not be afraid any longer, little flock.  Fear is the feeling of anxiety caused by the presence of pending presence of danger which can be physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, or moral. 

We fear all kinds of things: we fear losing our health, losing our jobs, losing a family member or good friend. We fear living alone, fear dying alone, fear rejection, failure, losing money. We may fear intimacy or be abandoned. Fear hinders our spiritual and psychological growth. Our fears hold us in bondage and prevent us from experiencing the freedom of the children of God. Dealing with our fears daily offers us the opportunities to grow spiritually and psychologically. We can allow our fears to paralyze us or we can confront them.

 Jesus tells us today to be ready and to be prepared when the Master comes. For all our care and precautions, there is absolutely no way we can know when or how the Master will come to call us to himself.

Jesus is warning us today about something much more important than the property we own, namely, the quality of our lives.  We have to have our lamps lit and keep them burning so that it shows light to all.

 Jesus concludes His teaching by saying, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more, will be demanded.” In other words, we have to be accountable for our deeds.

For those who are entrusted with the care of souls, more will be demanded of them. This includes each one of us, clergy, religious, teachers, parents, and all Christians who have the task of proclaiming the kingdom of God. 

 To retain a vibrant faith Jesus makes three demands of his followers.  First, we are to share with the needy.  Secondly, we have to be vigilant and prepared and live that life integrated by faith.  Thirdly, whatever be our task in life, we must carry it out faithfully and responsibly in a spirit of service.

 Placing all the three readings together the message that is given to us is to have deep faith in God and leave behind all things that can draw us away from him. Whatever be the task in life we must be ready to carry it out faithfully and responsibly in a spirit of service.

 

- @Avinash Bitra OFM Cap.