BY Jose “joesum” Sumampong, Jr.
19TH Sunday IN O.T, (Year C)
Word: Faithful vigilance is the idea that ties together all three readings today. Our ancestors in faith, as proclaimed in the second reading (Heb 11:1-2,8-19), were those who watched and waited for the fulfillment of all the Lord had promised them. And their faith was not in vain.
Jesus teaches us that a vigilant attitude is, first and foremost, unencumbered and not distracted by too many other concerns. We must always be prepared. Jesus said to his disciples, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival” (Lk 12:35-37).
The Israelites of old can serve as our model. They had to have their loins girt – dressed for action – and be ready for the moment of their deliverance. We are also awaiting for deliverance; for the arrival of the Lord in his glory at the end of time. If our eyes are trained incessantly on the material things and fleeting events of this world, we can hardly keep them focus on the world to come.
And how shall Jesus come? Suddenly. The evangelist described it as “like a thief in the night.” Nighttime is very special for Jews and Christians alike; it is the time when we watch and pray. The vigilant are those who “keep vigil”. They are keeping awake and watchful for the coming of the Lord. The more we become engrossed in less important and not-so meaningful concerns, the more likely it is that we will be taken by complete surprise.
Jesus does not counsel us to be unmindful of the situations of our life; on the contrary, in answer to Peter’s question: “Do you intend this parable for us, Lord, or do you mean it for the whole world?” (Lk 12:41), he counsels industriousness and dedication to the task at hand. There is also the implication that we take responsibility for our actions without having to be supervised. Nothing is more un-Christian than service that is rendered in fear. And yet fear of punishment seems to be the greater motivating force in many of us. Jesus counsels us to do our service in love for love for and loyalty to the master, not in fear of him.
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Order: The gospel is telling us that those who are focused on heavenly treasure will eagerly await the coming of the kingdom. Jesus counsels alert watchfulness. We should always be ready for quick action. We are to be alert even during the night, with oil lamps burning. Even at midnight or in the wee hours of the morning, at the time one is most tempted to sleep, we should be prepared for the master’s return. He will come when we least expect it.
Though the challenge can apply to any Christian, it may be especially directed at leaders of the Christian community. They have been entrusted with much, and much will be expected from them. Those who fail to live up to the trust placed in them will be severely punished.
In this time near the turn of the millennium, concern about the end of the world is increasing. Today’s reading gives us good advice on how to deal with the question. We are not able to determine when the master will come, so we should live each day in anticipation of his return. If we are always doing our best to fulfill the will of God, we have no need to fear the second coming. There is no value in spending our time trying to determine the date or worrying about the end; we should be busy doing the Lord’s will, confident that whatever happens, “it will go well” with us.
As a whole, the gospel is challenging us vigorously to follow the Lord’s advice, to be ready whenever he comes. Though religious leaders may have even greater responsibility, all Christians have been given much, and much will be expected from them.
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Realities: In the state of Connecticut, USA in l870 a rare phenomenon happened. Much of the state was enveloped by a mysterious darkness. The people were thinking the Last Day had finally arrived. The members of the state’s House of Representatives, while having a regular session, asked for an early adjournment. Their reason: so that they could go home and await the Lord’s coming together with their families.
The House Chairman, Colonel Davenport, made a brief speech: “Either it is a day of judgment or not. If not, there is no need for adjournment. If it is a day of judgment, I would rather be found doing my duty. I wish candles to be brought inside.”
o0o
Direction : O LORD my God, help me to be obedient without reserve, poor without servility, chaste without compromise, humble without pretense, joyful without depravity, serious without affectation, active without frivolity, submissive without bitterness, truthful without duplicity, fruitful in good works without presumption, quick to revive my neighbor without haughtiness, and quick to edify others by word and example without simulation. Grant me, O Lord, an ever-watchful heart that no alien thought can lure away from you; a noble heart that no base love can sully; an upright heart that no perverse intention can lead astray; an invincible heart that no distress can overcome; an unfettered heart that no impetuous desires can enchain. (Prayer for a Faithful and Upright Heart, St. Thomas Aquinas <1225-1274> priest, theologian, and doctor of the Church.)