19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

 

 

Dear Sisters, and Brothers,

 

What does it mean to live a life of faith? The Letter to the Hebrew tells us that faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. In the meantime, we live in expectation, trusting God to be true to the promises made, trusting Jesus to return.

Sometimes the future looks grim. Will there ever be a time when some country in the world is not at war? For example, Congo. Or a time when no children are dying of starvation or lacking the security of a home and the promise of a future? Will there ever be a time when people will not resort to violence to solve problems?

The words of Jesus today are directed to a community already waiting a half century for Jesus to return. He has not yet arrived. The parable of the master who will return from the wedding feast when you least expect him refers to Jesus, who is presently at the wedding banquet in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:32 This short statement from Jesus reveals three things to us.

First of all, we hear Jesus offer the familiar reminder that we ought not allow fear to take hold of our lives.  There are so many things in life that can have the effect of causing fear, worry, anxiety and the like.  Overcoming fear is a matter of humility, in that humility enables us to turn our eyes from ourselves and the problems we face and to put our eyes upon our Lord.  When we put our eyes on Him, fear dissipates and trust takes its place.

Second, this is also a very tender statement from Jesus in that He calls His disciples, and all of us, His “little flock.”  This is a term of endearment and reveals our Lord’s gentle and compassionate heart.  This term of endearment reveals not only that we belong to Jesus, it also reveals how His love for us is intimate and heartfelt.  If we understand this love of His we will be compelled to love Him back with the same depth of intimacy.

Lastly, this line points us to the Kingdom of our Father in Heaven.  The Father, whom we must trust and with whom we must have an intimate relationship, invites us to share in His most glorious Kingdom.  His Kingdom becomes ours, and when we can see and understand how glorious this calling is, we will be filled with hope and excitement as we seek to obtain it.

Reflect, today, upon the heartfelt invitation of our compassionate Lord Jesus to put your eyes upon His Kingdom.  As you do so, allow this revelation to cast out fear from your life, strengthening you to overcome that burden.  Put your trust in God and allow Him to transform you.

Do you see in your life the signs of a faithful and prudent servant? Does anything need to change for this to be true?

Peace and all good!

Fr. Valery Burusu

Parochial Administrator