Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48
“The night of the Passover was known beforehand…that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage.” (Wis.18:6)
In the midst of political turmoil… what do we know beforehand that offers us courage?
In the midst of the uncertain and unknown future…what do we know beforehand that offers us courage?
In the midst of unpredictable health, careers, relationships…what do we know beforehand that offers us courage?
In the midst of a climate of pessimism and despair…what do we know beforehand that offers us courage?
St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Hebrews – “FAITH is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” This is what we know beforehand.
We are reminded in Matthew’s gospel to “stay awake and be ready!” (24:42a)
In today’s gospel from Luke we are instructed – “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock…for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”
We are challenged, always and forever, to remember that Jesus has promised us his Spirit to remind us of all we have learned from him. Jesus has taught us to pray for an intuitive thought or inspiration that will empower us to cross over from darkness to light; from fear to faith; from despair to hope; from doubt to trust. Jesus wants to tell us beforehand (as he did for Peter) that we will be tempted in many ways, but he will, always and forever, be with us to give us courage and strength. And, he adds, once we are strengthened, we must strengthen our brothers and sisters. In other words: Pay it forward!
Where is my ‘treasure’ today? I pray that my treasure rests in the Words, the Promises, the Covenant, the Love, Mercy, Compassion of my God.
Make no mistake, much will be required of the one entrusted with such knowledge beforehand. We, like our Father Dominic, are called to Praise, to Bless and to Preach in and out of season, at all times and all circumstances.
We are admonished to be ready and alert “For at an hour you do not expect,” we can be asked to be the voice, the hands, the feet, the smile, the hug, the gaze of Christ on those we engage on our journey. Praise be to the One who can and does do for us what we would be unable to do for ourselves. So, when more is demanded of me, I may have that courage to stand up and take the right action based on the knowledge of the oaths in which I have put my faith. Sister Maureen Murphy, O.P.