Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time—Year C

Lectio

    Luke 12:32–48

Meditatio

“… be prepared.…”

    As disciples of Jesus, this command is a priority for us. We can be sure that we are fulfilling God’s will if we keep ourselves prepared. But what does it mean? And how can we fulfill it? Jesus tells a story to show us what he means by the command: “Be prepared.” Being prepared means that we have such a relationship with the Father—the Master—that when he is absent, we are “vigilant” for his return. When a loved one is absent from home, we long for that person’s return. We know exactly when he or she is due back and we make preparations for the homecoming. Life is not the same while our loved one is gone. Something—someone dear to our hearts—is missing.

    It’s the same with God. While we are on earth, we experience the Father’s absence. But in this case, we never know when he will manifest his presence. To be prepared for his coming means to long for it. We live in such a way that we may be able to welcome at any moment the one we long for, the one we know is missing from our lives. Jesus assures us that we have no reason to fear the Father: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” His story tells us that when the Father finds us waiting for him, he will serve us!

    What a message! The manifestation of the Master’s presence is not like that of a taskmaster who comes in and expects everything to be perfectly to his liking, demanding the impossible just because he can. No, he comes like a loved one who has returned home from a journey. On his arrival, he feels so completely at home with us that he begins to serve our needs.

    What are we waiting for?

Oratio

    Jesus, thank you for telling us this story about your Father. It makes me feel special to know that your Father looks forward with great longing to my welcoming him, just as I wait for him to manifest his presence. Help me to rid my life of the clutter that keeps me distracted from being prepared to welcome him in my life. Dispel the fear that sometimes moves me to believe that your Father is like a taskmaster who expects me to fulfill his needs. Remind me instead that your Father is more like a loved one who wants to take care of me. Amen.

Contemplatio

    Father, I await your return with a welcoming heart.

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ORDINARY GRACE Weeks 18–34: Daily Gospel Reflections (By the Daughters of St. Paul)