THE VIRTUES OF FAITHFULNESS AND READINESS
Introduction: Today in the liturgy of the Word, we are reminded that death often comes in sudden and unexpected ways. Jesus says to His disciples: "You must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." According to William Barclay, Jesus' words can be interpreted in two ways. In the narrower sense, they refer to His Second Coming at the end of times. In the broader sense, they refer to the time of our death when Jesus will summon us from this life. Whatever be the case, we are warned to be always ready - to have our belts fastened and our lamps burning ready - like servants awaiting their master's return.
First Reading: Wisdom 18: 6 to 9
Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 1 to 2 and 8 to 19
Gospel Reading: Luke 12: 32 to 48
*First Reading is from the book of Wisdom. The people of Israel are reminded of how the Lord God rescued their ancestors from the slavery of Egypt. The message is one of hope. It 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. An assurance is given that just as the Lord God rescued the people of Israel in the past, He will certainly save those who put their trust in Him.
*Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. People of God are reminded about the great and unshakable faith of Abraham. Because of his deep faith in God, Abraham is rightly called the father of faith. The faith of Abraham leads him to set out without knowing where he was heading to. He totally trusts in the providence of God and looks forward to a city built by Him. Hence, in the life of Abraham, we have a marvelous and shinning 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 tells His disciples about the heavenly treasure which cannot be stolen or destroyed. We are urged to look for that treasure in our lives. In the second part, Jesus narrates the parable of the faithful servant who is always ready and 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 Him whenever He chooses to come. Such a faithful servant will be greatly rewarded by the master. The master in turn will put him in-charge of all His possessions. But if the servant is found wanting and unfaithful in his duties, he will receive a very severe punishment. Jesus thus exhorts all of us to take our life seriously and to do our duties faithfully at all times. In this context, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: "It is more important to be faithful than to be successful." A well known educationalist Erich Fromm says: "Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others." Joyce Meyer says: "Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over."
Conclusion: Today's Gospel contains the warning that Jesus gives to His disciples and us. He urges us to be like good and faithful servants ever watchful for the return of their master. If we take this warning in the context of death, for most people it is just not possible to be ready for death in the sense of having all the loose ends neatly tied up and well prepared. Death frequently comes as the great intruder and disrupter of a person's life and plans. It comes when least expected. What matters at that moment is our faithfulness to the Word of God and our readiness to meet our Lord and creator.
May the Lord Jesus, who wants us to be faithful to His teachings, bless you with His abundant blessings and give the due reward for your faithful service to the Lord and to humanity. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, August 10, 2025." Thanks.)
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