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

 

 

 19^TH SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WAKE UP! BE PREPARED!

(Luke 12:32-48)

Our parents will always tell us the importance of being vigilant and the danger of oversleeping. Some of our parents knew how to wake us up in those days when we refused to rise to join in the morning prayers. Some used the method of splashing cold water to do so. They woke us up to be spiritually ready for the new day.

A particular 'morning-cry' preacher used to wake people up when the sleep is very sweet very early in the morning with his microphone singing: 'teta n'ura, Jesus na-akpo gi... (wake up Christ is inviting you)'. Spiritual alertness is advocated by Christ in Today's Gospel Reading. In fact, it is risky to be in the sleeping mode when the enemy is awake or when duty calls demand watchfulness.

This is the time to wake up. We have to be on guard in wait for the coming of the Lord. We have to be prepared so as not to fall into temptation. We have to be awake in service. We should not give room for sleep to be known as our weak point. We've got to find out our areas of sleep and wake them. A particular senior in one secondary school, who lived as a dormitory captain in a junior hostel, was so tough in his giant stature that he almost became a terror in the school. He really instilled discipline, known by the school authorities, for his thoroughness and strictness. The students made plans for him. They realized how bad he sleeps and carried him with his bed to the school dustbin in the bush. He woke there with the rising bell. He became humbled by that and stopped operating on his power alone, which made him take things for granted. He learnt to set alarms at different times of the night to wake him and not leave him almost dead in sleep all through the night. He stopped eating heavily in the nights and avoided anything that would make him too weak in the night.

 

WHY THE SLEEP?

Sleep is a necessary rest we observe after the fatigue of our day work. The night is usually the time for sleep. But Jesus makes us see other dimensions to the night. Night is a time of watchfulness. It is a time usually seen as a hideout because of the darkness associated with it. Thieves make use of it to strike while sleepers sleep. It is a time when the serious-minded people go extra miles; when the serious student burns the midnight oil, when the serious lecturer prepare his lecture notes, when the serious politician reflects on how to take the state or country to a greater height, when the man of prayer storms heaven in prayers. Little wonder Jesus asks: Why do you sleep? Rise and pray (Lk 22:45-46). "Onye ulo ya na agba oku anaghi achu oke." Let us rise in faith. "Onye ndi iro gbara gburugburu na eche ndu ya nche mgbe nile." Let us be vigilant and strong. Jesus says if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would be awake and would not allow his house to be broken into. We have known that the dark nights are the times we are targeted. For this, Jesus invites us to tarry till his return.

 

WHAT THE WATCHING IS ALL ABOUT

Sleep is a state of unconsciousness. Jesus calls us to be conscious of his presence always. At night, one thinks that his deeds are not noticed, and he relaxes and hides under the dark to slumber in evil. He loses consciousness of whom he is and what his calling is about. He is made to believe that God is not awake. The Lord sees. The dark is not even dark to him. Sleep makes one forget. Jesus wants us to remember his words and instructions and never allow them to elude us at any time even when we think he is taking His time. Sleep gives room for dreaming and fantasizing. He says about the unfaithful servant: "If he says to himself,' my master is delayed in coming' and begins to beat the menservants and maidservants..." This is living unrealistic life, life that is not expected of you, being lose and living without divine awareness. Thus, watch and guide against being taken over by weakness of sleep.

 

HOW TO WATCH

Jesus tells us how to watch; well dressed. Let your loins be girded. To be vigilant, we must not put on a sleeping gown. We must be fortified. Dressed in goodness, holiness, and virtues. We must put on righteousness as garb. We must have our lamps lit. Since it is dark, we must put on the light and endeavour it doesn't go down. Winds are more at night. Is your torch still burning, or is it going down? You received the light at baptism. How well is it shining? Are your good deeds shining out?

Are you ready for the master's return? The whole instruction reminds us of the exodus experience. The Lord went in the night and delivered his people. But He called them for quick action. If you have been sleeping, wake up in haste. Move out of spiritual laziness and complacency. Guide against the breakers. Do not allow the enemy to break the door of your life. Keep it open only for the Lord to enter in. Be ready for the Lord to come at any time. May He find you awake when He comes. May you not be found in drunkenness and immorality, May you be strong in the face of the many enemies prowling. May your faith be strong.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

O Lord, Your word today encourages us. May we hear these words again and again: "Fear not, little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" May the enemies of our faith never find us asleep and may our unsleeping God defend us and give us the spirit of holy and active vigilance in the battle of life against the foe. May we be blessed and protected in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you (19th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh