Nineteenth Sunday of the Year: C: August 7, 2022

     TO HAVE FAITH AND TO BE FAITHFUL

First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6-9

Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-2 and 8-19

Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 32-48

  *First reading is from the book of Wisdom. It reminds the people of Israel how the Lord God rescued their ancestors from the slavery of Egypt. The message is one of hope. The author promises that those who put their trust in the Lord God will not be disappointed. The chosen people of God are encouraged to persevere in their faith. Just as the Lord God rescued the people of Israel in the past, He will save those who put their trust in Him. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Hebrews. The Apostle recalls the great and unshakable faith of Abraham. Because of his deep faith in the Lord, Abraham is rightly called the father of faith. The faith of Abraham led him to set out without knowing where he was going. He totally trusted in the providence of  God and looked forward to a city built by God. Hence in the life of Abraham, we have a marvelous and shining example of living faith and total faithfulness to God. 

Many blessings to the faithful servant                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. In the first part, Jesus tell His disciples and us about the heavenly treasure which cannot be stolen or destroyed. And in the second part, Jesus narrates the parable of the faithful servant who is always found to be watchful whatever may be the time of his Master's return. The Master unexpectedly and without warning comes like a thief who comes at any time of the night. The element of surprise is his weapon. So also the (second) coming of the Lord will happen at a time we least expect. We must be prepared to welcome the Lord whenever he chooses to come. Such a faithful servant will be greatly rewarded by the Master. The Master will put him in charge of all the Master's possessions. But if the servant is found wanting and unfaithful in his attitude, he will receive very severe punishment. Jesus exhorts all of us to take our life seriously and to do our duties faithfully. 

"It is more important to be faithful than to be successful." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others." - Erich Fromm

"Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right, over and over and over and over." - Joyce Meyer