August 7, Sunday the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Sunday Reading: The Book of Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19; Gospel, Luke 12:32-48
We are already in the Father's territory, so there is no need to worry, but remain on guard and be ready.
The overarching message of God's proclamation is to "be ready." Jesus challenges us to be prepared in our world today. How? Starting with "Selling everything you have and offer alms!" To whom? Distributed as donations to the needy. We ought to approach one another with a sense of unity. Doing this creates "treasures in Heaven that will never run out." As disciples, we think God has a "personal fund" for us. So there is no need to worry.
Being prepared does not mean being passive or just giving up. Getting ready is a life that is actively preparing and organizing itself. So, we must always be optimistic and realistic. Jesus confirmed this through two figures of speech: "Keep your waist bound and your lamp burning." "waist bound" means "always ready to work." This is the lifestyle of an agile servant: always prepared to carry out the tasks and missions given by God. "The lamp is still burning" means a life that always illuminates others. Life always has "fuel," positive energy for others and the surrounding environment.
Jesus also states in the Gospel, "Don’t be afraid, you little flock! For your Father has pleased to give you His kingdom." Jesus likened himself to the owner of the flock. Jesus is the good shepherd and responsible owner of the sheep. His care and love are poured out on us, his disciples. We are already in the Father's territory, so there is no need to worry.
We must, however, continue to pay close attention to how church leaders always serve, look after, and care for the flock. We flocks can synergize, be in solidarity, and work together to compete in goodness until the Shepherd comes so that all of us can account for all that we have done. Since anxieties may be damaging, we should put them aside and focus more on the treasures in heaven than those here on earth, where we must always be on guard and prepared.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
