We all have times in our lives when it is hard to remember or believe in the promises GOD has made to take care of us and bring us joy and peace. We face trying times that lead us to the point of despair. We say or think, “GOD, if You really are with us, show signs of Your presence, then we will believe in You.” At other times, we seek ways that are not of the Lord Jesus because we focus on ourselves instead of those things on which Jesus has said to us. We must continue to pray that we might number our days aright and do what GOD would have us do. GOD is working in our lives. We are part of the Reign of GOD. It is already here, even if it is not the fullness of what will be.
We are reminded today of various aspects of faith. The First Reading describes the faith that the patriarchs and the Israelites have had — a faith in the promise that they will be set free from their enslavement in Egypt. The psalm is a prayer of faithful believers who realize that they are blessed because they have been chosen by GOD. The Letter to the Hebrews is a review of part of Hebrew scriptures and shows how the faith of Abraham moved him to follow GOD’s command, even though he did not understand all the ramifications of his actions. In the Gospel, Jesus uses parables to highlight another aspect of faith – the importance of being prepared.
First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9: ‘By the same means by which you punished our enemies you called us to yourself and glorified us.’
Commentary: The Book of Wisdom is possibly the latest book of the Old Testament, written not in Hebrew but in Greek, for the Greek-speaking Jews of Alexandria, just a few years before the birth of Jesus. The book is written against the background of considerable hostility between the Jews and the Egyptians. It vigorously attacks their worship of idols and especially of sacred animals but is also vividly aware of Israel’s vocation to bring salvation to the whole world. The final section of the book, from which this reading is drawn, makes a series of rhetorical contrasts between the Egyptians and the Israelites at the time of the Exodus. At the very moment at which the Israelites were being delivered from Egypt, the Egyptians themselves were undergoing the destruction of the first-born. The promises to Abraham to make his children God’s people were being fulfilled, while their enemies were being punished. This was the moment of the Passover, when Israel offered sacrifice and agreed to the divine Law. Most first readings relate to the gospel reading; however, this reading prepares for the second reading, which is a meditation on the journey of God’s People.
Responsorial Psalm: 33:1,12. 18-19. 20, 22. Blessed
the people the LORD has chosen as his heritage.
The psalmist recalls that GOD has chosen the people to be the people of divine inheritance. Because GOD has promised to do Good for "the Chosen People," they can wait for the LORD with faith and hope.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19: ‘He was looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God.’
Commentary: This reading begins a new section of the Letter, praising the faith or the faithfulness of the ancestors of Israel. In this chapter each paragraph begins, ‘By faith…’; the Greek puts it with firm and striking emphasis 18 times, and at beginning and end of the chapter (v. 2 and 39): ‘it was for this that our ancestors were commended (or attested) , or ‘it was to this that our ancestors bore witness’. In each of the paragraphs one of the ancestors is praised, or is said to have achieved ‘righteousness’ by acting purely on God’s promise. The author works steadily through the figures of the Old Testament, who would of course be heroes to the Hebrew priests, the intended readers of the Letter. Without faith, of course, the Bible makes no sense at all, and this recital of the reliance of the patriarchs on faith is an inspiring testimony of the decision of each one of them across the gamut of biblical history to put their whole trust in the promises of God.
In this series the faith of Abraham duly has pride of place, the first and longest account of historical figures (Abel and Noah are symbolic rather than historical). It was Abraham who received the call to leave his comfortable homeland and go out into the unknown, with only the promise to sustain him and Sarah. This was the beginning of the story which issued in Jesus. Paul also has an important chapter (Romans 4) in which he meditates on Abraham’s faith which made him righteous; for Paul too Abraham’s faith is the model of all faith.
Abraham’s preparedness to sacrifice his son Isaac is a morally difficult point, to which various solutions have been given. Some have held that it is a story to teach that child-sacrifice, practised widely in the surrounding cultures, is not acceptable. Others maintain that Abraham’s confidence in God was such that he was confident that God would somehow provide a solution which would save the child. However, this Letter puts forward a different solution, that it was a ‘parable’ (that is the word used in the Greek text) of the resurrection from the dead. Perhaps the real point of comparison is the joy with which Abraham received Isaac back, a joy similar to receiving Isaac back from the dead.
Gospel Luke 12:32-48: ‘You also must be ready.’
Commentary: The reading begins with three separate verses which once again warn of the danger of worldly possession. This is a danger against which Luke, writing to a prosperous audience, continually warns. Then comes a series of warnings to be alert for the final meeting with the Lord, and a series of blessings on those who are so ready. Luke does not have a great scene of a universal final judgement, like Matthew’s parable of the sheep and the goats. There is no need to wait for a great final judgement-scene at the end of the world. Luke, with his Greek frame of mind, is more interested in the individual judgement, for each of these parable concerns a single individual who is rewarded or punished. This is fully compatible with the notion that each individual’s final judgement is at death, rather than all together at the end of the world. The most wonderful and startling is the first promise that the Master will himself serve the faithful servant. A second parable concerns the thief who (literally) ‘digs through’ the wall of the house when the master is off his guard. A third lesson is framed in terms of a slave who misuses his authority over other slaves and so concerns the misuse of authority in the Church.
Reflection: What is the greatest joy and treasure we could possibly possess? The Lord Jesus promises that those who seek God and his kingdom will not be disappointed (Luke 12:32, Matthew 6:33). The Lord Jesus offers us the greatest treasure possible - but we must first seek it and make it our true joy and possession above all else. We naturally want to have and keep whatever we think will bring us happiness, peace, and security. Jesus offers a priceless treasure and source of abundant joy and security that is worth selling all else for.
The priceless exchange and everlasting reward: Jesus tells his followers to not be fearful or anxious about their present lives and future security (Luke 12:32). He urges them to sell their possessions and to give their money to those who need it most - especially those who have nothing to provide for their present needs and welfare (Luke 12:33). This seems to go against our natural instinct to hoard and save for the future. Why would anyone want to sell their possessions and give away their money - unless they wanted to exchange these goods for something far more precious and of greater value than all the money and possessions they could ever hope to acquire in this present life.
Jesus warns that money and possessions will not last and can be taken away at any moment by a thief or by death itself. But there is one treasure which can never be lost or destroyed because it is kept secure by God himself. What is that treasure? It is the Lord himself and his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). This treasure is worth far more than anything we could possibly acquire on our own. If you make the Lord your treasure, then you will have in your possession the greatest source of joy and lasting peace and security. The wisdom of Scripture tells us, If the Almighty is your gold and your precious silver, then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and will turn your face toward God (Job 22:25-26). Do you know the joy and happiness of making God your one and only true treasure and security?
The Lord knocks at our door - will we answer him? What is the meaning of the parable of the master who returns from a wedding feast to his home in the middle of the night (Luke 12:35-40)? The door to one's house in the ancient world was usually bolted from the inside, especially at night to keep out thieves and troublemakers. It was not possible to enter from the outside without help from someone inside. Household attendants (domestic servants) who knew their master's voice were expected to be always vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required attentive, watchfulness and listening ear for any sign of the master's approach. No distraction, not even sleep, could be allowed to interfere with the preparation for the master's return. If the servants failed to hear the voice of their master's return, they literally shut him out since he could not unbolt the door from the outside - only they could open the door from within and allow him to enter. Their failure to welcome and serve the master on his return brought shame and dishonor.
If the Lord Jesus knocked on your door today, would you be ready and eager to receive him? He wants us to be prepared for his coming - today, tomorrow, at the hour of our departure from this life (our death), and when he comes again at the end of this present world to judge all the living and the dead. The Lord will reward those who believe in him. The Lord Jesus knocks on the door of our heart each and every day. Do you listen to his words and receive it with trust and joy. The Lord calls each one of us and he says, "Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will feast together" (Revelations 3:20). Do you hunger for the Lord and for the treasure of his kingdom?
The Lord comes to reward his faithful servants: Jesus' parable adds an unexpected reward for those who have faithfully served and watched for the master's return. When the master finally arrived home from the wedding feast at a late hour of the night, he did the unthinkable for his servants who were present to welcome and let him in. He then puts on a servant's apron and tells his servants to be seated at his own banquet table. Once they are all seated the master then personally waits on them and serves them with his own rich food and drink (Luke 12:37). Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best he has to offer - a royal feast fit for a king and his loyal subjects. Are you prepared to feast with the Lord at his banquet table?
Jesus' parable has an important lesson for each one of us. Just as Jesus was faithful and ready to obey his Father in everything - even to the point of laying down his life on the cross for us, we too are called to be faithful and obedient to the Lord's will for our lives. How can we grow in faithfulness and obedience to the Lord? The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit who frees us from pride and fear, so we can hear the Lord and embrace his way of love and faithfulness. If we fail, the Lord will not fail us. He gives strength to the weak and to those who turn to him with trust in his mercy and help. Ask the Lord Jesus to fill you with his Holy Spirit and with a holy desire to seek the Lord and his kingdom first above all else.
Lord Jesus, you alone are my treasure and the joy of my heart. May there be nothing in this world that holds me back from giving you my all - you are my all, my life and joy now and forever.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The true meaning of 'loins girded and lamps burning', by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"The girding of our loins (Luke 12:25) signifies the readiness of the mind to work hard in every thing praiseworthy. Those who apply themselves to bodily labors and are engaged in strenuous toil have their loins girded. The lamp apparently represents the wakefulness of the mind and intellectual cheerfulness. We say that the human mind is awake when it repels any tendency to slumber off into that carelessness that often is the means of bringing it into subjection to every kind of wickedness. When sunk in stupor, the heavenly light within the mind is liable to be endangered, or even already is in danger from a violent and impetuous blast of wind. Christ commands us to be awake. To this, his disciple also arouses us by saying, 'Be awake. Be watchful' (1 Peter 5:8). Further on, the very wise Paul also says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall give you light' (Ephesians 5:14)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92).
treasure hunt: “Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.” —Luke 12:34. When Jesus is our Treasure, then serving Him is our delight (Ps 40:9). Serving Jesus even becomes our treasure (Lk 12:34). When serving Jesus is our treasure, we search for ways to serve Him. We gladly sell all that we have to obtain the privilege of serving Jesus our Treasure (see Mt 13:44). We can’t help ourselves, for “the love of Christ impels us” (2 Cor 5:14). We don’t even need to receive pay for our service, for as the hymn says, “Knowing that I love and serve You is enough reward.”
When serving Jesus and doing God’s will is our food (Jn 4:34), then we can’t even go a day, not even a part of a day, without serving Him. We desire to serve Jesus as strongly as a hungry person looks forward to a meal. That’s where our heart is (Lk 12:34). As another song says: “The greatest thing in all my life is serving You.” So get “for yourselves…a never-failing treasure with the Lord” (Lk 12:33). “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2).
Prayer: Jesus, change my desires. Give me an ever-increasing joy in serving You. “See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope for His kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.” —Ps 33:18-19. Praise the risen Jesus, in Whom our joy is complete. Alleluia!
The personal action for today: How do I live a faith-filled life? Do I overly anticipate with undue anxiety what lies ahead? Do I participate as fully as possible to bring about the Reign of GOD? In what ways can I be a more active participant in the process of bringing about the “already, but not yet” Reign of GOD? How can I help bolster the faith of those with whom I journey on the path toward the Reign of GOD?
*Saint Lawrence: The esteem in which the Church holds Lawrence is seen in the fact that today’s celebration ranks as a feast. We know very little about his life. He is one of those whose martyrdom made a deep and lasting impression on the early Church. Celebration of his feast day spread rapidly.
He was a Roman deacon under Pope Saint Sixtus II. Four days after this pope was put to death, Lawrence and four clerics suffered martyrdom, probably during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian.
Legendary details of Lawrence’s death were known to Damasus, Prudentius, Ambrose, and Augustine. The church built over his tomb became one of the seven principal churches in Rome and a favorite place for Roman pilgrimages.
A well-known legend has persisted from earliest times. As deacon in Rome, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor. When Lawrence knew he would be arrested like the pope, he sought out the poor, widows, and orphans of Rome and gave them all the money he had on hand, selling even the sacred vessels of the altar to increase the sum. When the prefect of Rome heard of this, he imagined that the Christians must have considerable treasure. He sent for Lawrence and said, “You Christians say we are cruel to you, but that is not what I have in mind. I am told that your priests offer in gold, that the sacred blood is received in silver cups, that you have golden candlesticks at your evening services. Now, your doctrine says you must render to Caesar what is his. Bring these treasures—the emperor needs them to maintain his forces. God does not cause money to be counted: He brought none of it into the world with him—only words. Give me the money, therefore, and be rich in words.”
Lawrence replied that the Church was indeed rich. “I will show you a valuable part. But give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.” After three days he gathered a great number of blinds, lame, maimed, leprous, orphaned, and widowed persons and put them in rows. When the prefect arrived, Lawrence simply said, “These are the treasure of the Church.”
The prefect was so angry he told Lawrence that he would indeed have his wish to die—but it would be by inches. He had a great gridiron prepared with coals beneath it, and had Lawrence’s body placed on it. After the martyr had suffered the pain for a long time, the legend concludes, he made his famous cheerful remark, “It is well done. Turn me over!”
Once again, we have a saint about whom almost nothing is
known, yet one who has received extraordinary honor in the Church since the
fourth century. Almost nothing—yet the greatest fact of his life is certain: He
died for Christ. We who are hungry for details about the lives of the saints
are again reminded that their holiness was after all, a total response to
Christ, expressed perfectly by a death like this.
