DAILY- HOMILY

August 11, 2019 - 19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Green.

Wis 18: 6 – 9 / Heb 11: 1 – 2, 8 – 19 / Lk 12: 32 – 48

1ST READING: Wis 18: 6 – 9
That night had been foretold to our fathers, and knowing in what promise they trusted, they could rejoice in all surety. Your people waited for both the salvation of the just and the downfall of their enemies, for the very punishment of our enemies brought glory to the people you have called – that is, to us.

FROM THE 2ND READING: Heb 11: 1 - 2, 8 – 9a, 17 – 18
Faith is the way of holding onto what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see. Because of their faith our ancestors were approved. . . .

It was by faith that Abraham, called by God, set out for a country that would be given to him as an inheritance, for he parted without knowing  where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in that promised land. . . .

By faith Abraham went to offer Isaac when God tested him. And so he who had received the promise of God offered his only son although God had told him: Isaac's descendants will bear your name.

FROM THE GOSPEL READING: Lk 12: 32 – 38, 40, 47 – 48
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, and make safe investments with God, where no thief comes and no moth destroys. For where your investments are there will your heart be also.

"Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding. As soon as he comes  and knocks, they will open to him. Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide awake when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron and have them sit at table and he will wait on them.. Happy are those servants if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!

"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

"The servant who knew his master's will, but did not prepare to do what the master wanted, will be punished with sound blows; but the one who did what deserved a punishment without knowing it shall receive fewer blows. Much will be required of the one who has been given much, and more will be asked of the one entrusted with more."

REFLECTION
In the first and second readings we read about faith in God and his word and promises demonstrated and lived by Abraham and other key figures in salvation history before the coming of Christ.

In the Gospel reading Jesus speaks of the values we should have in life and how we should always be ready for God's judgment.

"For where your investments are there will your heart be also." (Lk 12:34) What is the treasure which you hold most dearly? What are your values and principles?

What in life do you hold very dear and very important? The honor and prestige of your family name? The dignity of your person? Pride in your profession, work and achievements? These are among the many things we treasure and value.

In a world where traditional values are in question and where lines of morality may be blurred, today's Gospel reading reminds and urges us to be ever vigilant. To be vigilant not so much in being staunch and self-righteous but to believe and faithfully guard that the core values and treasures of our heart be preserved and not be compromised.

It pays to be watchful and careful and to be ready all the time. We do not know when our values will be questioned and tested and our principles challenged. It pays to guard our heart because "the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." (Lk 12: 40)

FINALLY, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.


Have a good day!

**************************************************
These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following:
  +================================================+
   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the
   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish
   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  
  +================================================+