Fr. Martin ALI KEKE NDEMSOU sx
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary time.
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Last Sunday, we meditated on the parable about a rich man who was called a fool by Jesus. This man was a successful farmer because his farm produced such a heavy crop that he lost control. Indeed, since he had enough to eat he forgot about God and others. When he planned his future, he did not mention God from whom come the rain, the sun and his own life, neither did he mention the others (his family, workers or friends) who might have helped him to plough his farm and harvest what his farm produced.
Yet he did not know the end of his life. He was not watchful. The Lord spoke to him saying: “You fool, this this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? And it was so. On the height of his prosperity, he died. This is one of the disastrous consequences of not being watchful. Then, what does being watchful mean?
Being watchful, in this case, means being grateful to God for whatever we received from him. Surely, God always gives us what is necessary for us. In fact, Jesus clearly tells us: “If you, evil as you are, know how to give good gift to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Lk 11: 13). Also, being watchful means being united to Christ through personal prayers and the sacraments particularly the Holy Eucharist which is the source and summit of our Christian life. Again being watchful means to share what we have with others and to be aware that neglecting them is neglecting God himself. In fact, in the Gospel, Jesus invites us to be charitable saying: “Sell your belongings and give alms.”
That is why in waiting the coming of the Lord, we are called to be faithful to whatever responsibility we have in this world. Faithfulness always brings us God’s blessings. Let us look at Abraham’s life reported by Saint Paul in the second reading. Abraham was always faithful to God and was blessed. And in the Gospel Jesus clearly tells us: “Who then is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so”
Let us be aware that our lives depend on the Lord who reassures us: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Also, let us be aware that our lives depend on others whom we are called to love and to serve. Watchfulness and faithfulness draw us near to God and others. May we receive, through today’s Eucharistic celebration, the grace of faithfulness!
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary time.
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Last Sunday, we meditated on the parable about a rich man who was called a fool by Jesus. This man was a successful farmer because his farm produced such a heavy crop that he lost control. Indeed, since he had enough to eat he forgot about God and others. When he planned his future, he did not mention God from whom come the rain, the sun and his own life, neither did he mention the others (his family, workers or friends) who might have helped him to plough his farm and harvest what his farm produced.
Yet he did not know the end of his life. He was not watchful. The Lord spoke to him saying: “You fool, this this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong? And it was so. On the height of his prosperity, he died. This is one of the disastrous consequences of not being watchful. Then, what does being watchful mean?
Being watchful, in this case, means being grateful to God for whatever we received from him. Surely, God always gives us what is necessary for us. In fact, Jesus clearly tells us: “If you, evil as you are, know how to give good gift to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Lk 11: 13). Also, being watchful means being united to Christ through personal prayers and the sacraments particularly the Holy Eucharist which is the source and summit of our Christian life. Again being watchful means to share what we have with others and to be aware that neglecting them is neglecting God himself. In fact, in the Gospel, Jesus invites us to be charitable saying: “Sell your belongings and give alms.”
That is why in waiting the coming of the Lord, we are called to be faithful to whatever responsibility we have in this world. Faithfulness always brings us God’s blessings. Let us look at Abraham’s life reported by Saint Paul in the second reading. Abraham was always faithful to God and was blessed. And in the Gospel Jesus clearly tells us: “Who then is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so”
Let us be aware that our lives depend on the Lord who reassures us: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Also, let us be aware that our lives depend on others whom we are called to love and to serve. Watchfulness and faithfulness draw us near to God and others. May we receive, through today’s Eucharistic celebration, the grace of faithfulness!