First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9
That night had been foretold to our ancestors,
so that, once they saw what kind of oaths they had put their trust in, they would joyfully take courage.
This was the expectation of your people,
the saving of the virtuous and the ruin of their enemies;
for by the same act with which you took vengeance on our foes
you made us glorious by calling us to you.
The devout children of worthy men offered sacrifice in secret
and this divine pact they struck with one accord:
that the saints would share the same blessings and dangers alike;
and forthwith they had begun to chant the hymns of the fathers.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2;8-19
Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. It was for faith that our ancestors were commended.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he set out without knowing where he was going. By faith he arrived, as a foreigner, in the Promised Land, and lived there as if in a strange country, with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. They lived there in tents while he looked forward to a city founded, designed and built by God.
It was equally by faith that Sarah, in spite of being past the age, was made able to conceive, because she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful to it. Because of this, there came from one man, and one who was already as good as dead himself, more descendants than could be counted, as many as the stars of heaven or the grains of sand on the seashore.
All these died in faith, before receiving any of the things that had been promised, but they saw them in the far distance and welcomed them, recognising that they were only strangers and nomads on earth. People who use such terms about themselves make it quite plain that they are in search of their real homeland. They can hardly have meant the country they came from, since they had the opportunity to go back to it; but in fact they were longing for a better homeland, their heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, since he has founded the city for them.
It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He offered to sacrifice his only son even though the promises had been made to him and he had been told: It is through Isaac that your name will be carried on. He was confident that God had the power even to raise the dead; and so, figuratively speaking, he was given back Isaac from the dead.
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48
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 whole the master finds wide-awake when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron and have them sit on the table and he will wait on them. Happy are those servants if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!
Pay attention to this: if the master of the house had known at what time the thief would come, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
Peter said, “ Lord, did you tell this parable only for us, or for everyone?’ And the Lord, replied, “Imagine, then, the wise and faithful steward whom the master sets over his other servants to give them food rations at the proper time. Fortunate is this servant if his master on coming home finds him doing his work. Truly, I say to you, the master will put him in charge of all his property.
But it maybe the steward thinks, “My Lord delays in coming, and he begins to abuse the menservants and the servant girls, eating and drinking and getting drunk. Then the master will come on a day he does not expect him and at an hour he doesn’t know. He will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.
The servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare to do what his 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 from of the one who entrusted with more.
Reflection:
By Anabelle Payod-Balla
Abraham, as mentioned by St Paul in our Second Reading this Sunday, was tested by God when He asked him to offer his son as a sacrifice. Abraham showed his strong faith to God by obeying His orders and because of this he was rewarded. Faith is our assurance of what we hope for. It will keep us vigilant and ever loyal to God. Have faith and believe in God’s promise in the Gospel, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.”
Faith is to believe and to believe is to see beyond what eyes can see. This I think is the reason why people who have strong faith are hopeful and happy. They don’t deter from serving and giving honor to the Lord at every opportunity. They know that God’s heart goes to people who do His work. He serves and takes care of them.
Last Sunday’s Gospel told us to seek things that are above and not on earthly things. And God is so wise and loving that He has given us the gift of faith as our compass that always directs us to the things that are divine.
Father, thank you for giving us the gift of faith. You have helped it grow by giving us the ultimate sign from heaven, Your Son Jesus Christ. Like a trusting child, we believe in You with all our heart. Thank You for opening our eyes to Your greatness. Amen.
Faith is the purse that never wears out. Let us fill it with moments serving God.
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