19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
My dear parishioners,
God is Good!!! All the time!!! And all the time!!! God is Good!!!
Today’s Gospel has Jesus addressing his small struggling group of disciples who have been living in fear of their diverse opponents. He encourages them with the good news that God is pleased to give to them the kingdom. Because of this, they have no need to be afraid anymore.
The Need to Share: The disciples are encouraged to share their material goods. Possessions are never given ultimate value in Luke’s Gospel. Real treasure is to be found in heaven. In the meantime, share your possessions with the poor and give alms. These are kingdom values, and they lead to freedom from anxiety related to an abundance of possessions. One must serve God and not material possessions.
Faithfully Prepared: The disciples are to be like good servants who are perpetually prepared for their master’s return from a wedding. No matter what time of day or night the master returns, his servants are faithfully prepared. The master will be so pleased with his servants that he will reverse their roles, and he will wait on his servants. Such a thought is extremely shocking. Jesus emphasizes the need to be constantly prepared for the coming of the Lord. Vigilance is essential because no one knows when this event might take place. Those who are constantly prepared will never be caught off guard.
Stewardship: When Peter asks who this teaching is for, Jesus responds by describing the faithful and prudent steward. This steward is the one whom the master puts in charge of his household, usually for long periods of time due to the master’s absence. High praise is given to that servant whom the master finds vigilant and responsible upon his return. He will be given even more responsibility as a sign of his master’s trust. But things do not always work out this way—especially when community leadership is concerned.
If the servant in charge thinks the master will be gone for a lengthy period of time and takes this occasion to act irresponsibly and mistreat the other servants, then he will be in for a shock when the master suddenly returns. Those servants who acted irresponsibly will be punished accordingly. Much is required of leaders who are entrusted with much. Lk no doubt wants his community leaders to pay attention to what Jesus says here.
Excerpts from “Sunday Homily Helps”, is used by permission of Franciscan Media. www.FranciscanMedia.org. All rights reserved
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Aloysius