Fresh Dew Media

 19^th Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Faith-Illumined Hope and Vigilance

Readings: Wis 18, 6-9; Heb 11, 1-2.8-19; Lk 12, 35-48

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, this 19^th Sunday invites us to remain awake and vigilant so that the day of the Lord – the day we will be taken from this world to reunite with our Creator – does not catch us unprepared. It also tells the type of vigilance that is expected of us, which is the manner of life anticipated from all those who await the return of their master.

One of the responsibilities of the national security agencies is to safeguard the nation from attackers and, in doing so, preserve lives and property. To fulfil this duty, they maintain vigilance around the clock every day. In various homes and offices, individuals install surveillance cameras, some keep dogs for security, and many others reinforce their residences with burglary-proof measures to prevent break-ins by thieves. All these actions are intended to protect physical lives from harm and material possessions from theft or damage.

In today's gospel, Jesus made reference to the same concept of vigilance; however, this time it is not aimed at safeguarding physical lives and possessions, but rather at protecting our spiritual life from eternal damnation. He stated, “if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have been awake and would not have left his house to be broken into. You too must be ready because, the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Thus, Jesus urges each of us to be ready for that moment when death will take our lives, and we will be made to stand before God's judgement throne. If individuals invest time and resources to secure their temporary physical life, we are expected to dedicate even greater time and effort to secure our eternal life.

Today's gospel challenges us to reflect on our preparedness for that inevitable moment that awaits all living beings – the final day of our existence on earth.

The first parable of today’s gospel tells us that the servant who remains vigilant and ready for his master's return will be rewarded abundantly. However, it is regrettable that many people act like the servant mentioned in the latter part of today's gospel, who began to live his life according to his own desires, believing that his master would not return on time. He falls into the category of those who wish to lead their lives as they please, rather than in accordance with the will of their creator. This includes those who assume they have many years ahead of them and therefore feel entitled to indulge in any lifestyle they choose, thinking that when they get old, they can return to the Church to rectify or renew their lives. Unfortunately, events did not unfold as that servant anticipated. His master arrived unexpectedly, and he faced severe consequences.

St. Francis of Assisi was once asked what he would wish for God to find him engaged in when death comes to take his life. He simply replied that he would like God to find him doing precisely what he was doing at the moment he was asked that question. This indicates that he was engaged in a good deed, for no one would desire to face death while involved in wrongdoing.

Now, let us reflect on this question: if the last hour of our lives were to arrive while we are here in the church, can you confidently assert that you would go to heaven? Dear friends, begin now to engage in the actions you would wish for God to find you performing when He comes for your life.

That final hour may come to some individuals while they are engaged in conflicts with others, gossiping, lying, plotting malevolent acts, stealing, or traveling to commit crimes, among other things. We have heard of numerous unforeseen events and disasters that have claimed many lives. For instance, fire outbreaks, road accidents, terrorist attacks, building collapses, and plane crashes. Have we considered how prepared those who perished in these situations were when death approached them? This question should get us worried and perhaps motivate us to take action regarding our own lives.

The gospel tells us that the apparent delay in the arrival of our master should not lead us to live in ways that contradict his will, nor should it cause us to believe that his arrival is far off.

In the first reading, despite their suffering, the Israelites in Egypt refrained from wrongdoing while waiting for God to come and liberate them. They steadfastly maintained their faith in God, who ultimately did not let them down. Dear friends, do not engage in evil actions due to hardships.

Abraham and Sarah, in the second reading, maintained their unwavering faith in God and did not resort to wrongdoing due to the delay in the fulfilment of His promises. Even when faced with extreme difficulties, they remained steadfast in their devotion to God. Many individuals who encounter similar hardships often use their circumstances as a rationale for choosing evil or straying from the path of righteousness. Do not lose your faith when challenges test your limits.

Abraham and Sarah have exemplified the importance of remaining faithful to God while we await the realization of His promises. They have also shown us to illuminate our vigilance for the day of the Lord’s return with a strong faith in God. Having faith in God entails engaging in actions that are pleasing to Him as we await His return. Like Abraham and Sarah, when our vigilance and hope are illumined by a strong faith in God, our lives will produce the fruits of good choices, good actions and holiness.

Peace be with you, and may you have a blessed Sunday.

Rev. Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima