Daily Readings - Sun Aug 11 2019
Hebrews
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.2This is what the ancients were commended for.8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Luke
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust, faith, and readiness. In the first reading from Wisdom, we hear of a night known to our fathers, a time of trust in God's justice and plan. The just children, through their sacrifices and adherence to justice, demonstrate their faith in God's design. This passage reminds us that God's justice will prevail, and both the righteous and the unrighteous will receive their due. It calls us to trust in God's plan, even when the future seems uncertain.
The second reading from Hebrews delves into the essence of faith, defining it as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of the unseen. Through the examples of Abraham and Sarah, we see unwavering trust in God's promises, even in the face of impossibility. Their story teaches us that true faith is about trusting God's plan, even when we cannot see the outcome. This faith is not passive but active, leading us to live in accordance with God's will.
The Gospel from Luke brings these themes together, urging us to be prepared and vigilant. Jesus uses the parable of the servants waiting for their lord to emphasize the importance of readiness. He reminds us that the Son of Man will return unexpectedly, and we must be prepared to meet Him. This passage is a call to live each day with our hearts and minds focused on God, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect our commitment to Him.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's justice and providence. Just as the just children and the patriarchs trusted in God's plan, we too must place our faith in Him. We are called to live with vigilance, always mindful of our ultimate goal of union with God. This means living each day with purpose, prayer, and service, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith.
As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace the call to trust and readiness. May our faith be strengthened, and may we live each day with the conviction that God's plan is at work in our lives. Let us remain vigilant, prepared to meet the Lord whenever He comes, and may our lives be a testament to our trust in His divine providence.