THE SPIRITUALITY OF WAITING AND READINESS (HOMILY FOR THE 19TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME OF YEAR C
Theme: The Spirituality of waiting and readiness
The first reading from the book of wisdom joyfully recounts the salvific works of God upon Israel at their sojourn from Egypt to the promised land. It reminds us of how the actions of God brought salvation to the virtuous and ruins to their enemies. How the works of God evoked in the Israelites courage, faith confidence and trust in God.
The second reading expands this understanding of faith and trust in God. It extols virtuous figures in the history of Israel who led an exemplary life of faith. Outstanding in this context is Abraham, our father in Faith. Through faith and obedience to God's promises, Abraham set out on a journey without knowing where he was going. Through faith in God, Abraham lived in a tent in a strange country while his heart and mind were fixed on the city founded, designed and built by God. Through faith, Abraham and Sarah waited for the fulfilment of the promises of God and brought forth a child even in their old age. Through faith in God, Abraham offered to sacrifice his only son, Isaac to God. Even when he knew that the promise to be the father of a multitude of nations was to be achieved through his only son Isaac.
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Faith is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to believe without doubting whatever God has revealed. Without faith, we cannot please God. Faith is a leap in the dark, it calls us to put our trust in God despite our limited knowledge. Just like the story of a child who while the house was burning and covered with smoke could only hear the voice of the Father calling her to jump out from the window. Although she could not see the father other than the voice. She courageously took the jump and the father saved her.
Friends in Christ, We are like strangers and foreigners on the earth (Heb 11:13). Hence, like Abraham, we must courageously and with obedience set out on our journey to our heavenly homeland believing that God's promises will see us through. Like Abraham, we must be ready to make the supreme sacrifice when it matters the most knowing that to God belongs the power of the resurrection and salvation.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us and we heard it: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk 12:32). The kingdom of God is a gift to humanity. It is the reign of God and his will, here on earth and in eternity. It is the kingdom that we pray for in the Lord's prayer: “Thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. It is the kingdom of God that Jesus brought to us even when he preached that “the kingdom of God is near at hand”. Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, if we are members of God's kingdom then our conduct must portray a good example of our identity to others.
Friends in Christ, where one's treasure is, there your heart will be also (Lk 12:34). If our treasure is earthly, then our hearts will be set on earthly affairs e.g prestige, fame, money etc But if our treasure is in the kingdom of God then our hearts will be set on heavenly affairs. We cannot serve both God and mammon (Lk 16:13).
Progressively, the Gospel reading introduces to us the spirituality of waiting and readiness. Jesus tells us: Be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet so that they can open as soon as he knocks” (Lk 12:36). “It says you must be ready for the son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Lk 12:40). The spirituality of waiting announces the significant and greatness of what is been waited for. For instance: Abraham waited for the birth of Isaac, the disciples waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit, the news waited for the coming of the Messiah, and Jesus waited for 30 years before his public ministry etc. Hence, brothers and sisters in Christ, God is worth waiting for at all times. In our prayer times and difficult moments, etc. Let's wait unto the Lord for the Lord's time is indeed the best. We deserve to be ready at all times as well. Readiness is indicative of one being awake, alert, vigilant and conscious of our disposition to do the will of the Master; Readiness is to put into practice the will of God. In every moment of our lives, we should be prompt in committing ourselves to the establishment of the kingdom of God here on earth so that his will may be done in our lives.
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, as we wait patiently for the blessings of the Lord, let us with faith put our trust and confidence in God the author and finisher of our destiny. Let us as sons and daughters of God's kingdom, respond always with prompt readiness in establishing the will of God here on earth.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Fr Remi osj
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