[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Luke 12:32-48

“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

What a wonderful promise! God delights in giving us his kingdom—in taking us to be with him forever. But before we see this promise realized, there is a lot of waiting. The Israelites knew God would defeat their enemies, but they had to wait out many plagues before Pharaoh fi nally let them go. God promised Abraham a son, but look how long his childlessness stretched on before Isaac was born. Similarly, we know that Jesus will knock at our door one day to take us to his side, but until then, we have to hold on to our faith.

It’s good to know that we are not waiting in the dark with no idea of what it will be like when the kingdom comes. Because of Jesus’ cross and resurrection, the kingdom has already begun to unfold in our world and in our hearts. We get a glimpse of it every time we gather to worship the Lord. We see it in the least of his people, whose needs tug at our hearts. We feel it when we forgive someone who has wronged us, and when we receive forgiveness from someone we have hurt.

So don’t hesitate to invest in God’s kingdom. Choose every day to live as you want to live when it comes in all its fullness. As you do, something wonderful and surprising happens: Jesus Christ, your King, sits you down and waits on you! He honors you for helping someone when you could just as easily have turned away. He congratulates you for turning the other cheek and not seeking revenge. He rewards you for caring for his beloved poor.

God is never outdone in generosity. He has promised you the kingdom, and he delivers on that promise every day!

“Father, thank you for calling me to live in your kingdom. I place my heart into your keeping, for you are my only treasure.”

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Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion

(Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1,12,18-22; Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19; Luke 12:32-48)

1. The first reading today speaks of awaiting the salvation of the just. How patient are you in waiting for the Lord? What are the circumstances when you aren’t?

2. The responsorial psalm talks of those who “hope” for God’s kindness. The psalmist also prays: “May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you” (Psalm 33:22). Our Catechism says that hope is both “the confident expectation of divine blessing” and “the fear of offending God’s love”. We sin against hope by despair. In what way does our view of the nature and character of God, and his disposition towards us, contribute to this despair? What are the circumstances in your life that can cause you to despair of hope, and in receiving God’s love?

3. In the Letter to the Hebrews we read the story of Abraham, who did not presume upon his own ideas or his own abilities. He confidently placed his trust in God. What are some times in your life when you stepped out in faith, trusting God that he would protect and sustain you. Is there anything in your life right now that you are fearful of doing — something that God may be asking of you?

4. Today’s Gospel begins with the words: “Do not be afraid”. Jesus tells us why: “for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom”. What steps can you take to open yourself to receive all that your Heavenly Father wants to give you? What might be holding you back?

5. The meditation ends with these words, “God is never outdone in generosity. He has promised you the kingdom, and he delivers on that promise every day!” What are some ways that God has shown his generosity to you?

[Salvation]

Sunday Scripture Study

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

August 8, 2010

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalm:  33:1,12,18-22

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19

Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32-48

• The first part of this Sunday’s Gospel (verses 32-34) continues the theme from last week where Jesus emphasized to his disciples detachment from worldly goods and the necessity for dependence on God alone. In the passage between last week’s reading and this week’s he goes into much more detail on this subject (see Luke 12:22-31).

• Jesus then tells a parable about leadership and responsibility. The apostles are compared to domestic servants who are charged with duties in the household of God. When he tells them to “gird up their loins” he was alluding to the practice of gathering up their long flowing garments in preparation for difficult work—rather like us rolling up our sleeves..

• They must complete these tasks diligently before the sudden return of Christ. As was pointed out in the parable of the rich fool last week, Jesus will come when we least expect it. Be ready! (see Matthew 24:42, 25:13; Mark 14:34).

 

QUESTIONS:

• How did Moses, Abraham and all the saints of old (as we see in the first two Readings) wait on the Lord and place his trust in him? In what ways can they be an example to us?

• Explain the role reversal described in verse 37 of the Gospel Reading. Why does Peter ask the question in verse 41? Why does Jesus answer as he does?

• IWhy does Jesus say they should be ready (verses 39-40)? Who is the thief?

• What should be the attitude and actions of the faithful and prudent servant (verses 42-43)? What could tempt the servants to do wrong (verse 45)?

• What is the meaning of verse 48? How would the disciples have interpreted it?

• What dangers is Jesus warning you about in this passage? Which danger is most likely to be a problem for you?

• What has God entrusted to you as his steward? If you knew that in 30 days Jesus was returning to see how you were coming along, what would you do to get things ready for the inspection?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 764, 2849, 2612

 

Oh what remorse we shall feel at the end of our lives, when we look back upon the great number of instructions and examples afforded by God and the Saints for our perfection, and so carelessly received by us! If this end were to come to you today, how would you be pleased with the life you have led this year?

-St. Francis de Sales