Nineteenth Sunday of the Year (Year C)

 Nineteenth Sunday of the Year August 10, 2025

Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

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Once there was a wealthy young man who lived in a beautiful, elaborate house. One day, he invited Jesus to stay with him and prepared the finest guest room for the Lord. That night, however, the man faced a terrible struggle against spiritual darkness at his door while Jesus was “sleeping” in the upstairs room.

Frustrated and exhausted, he confronted Jesus: "Did I not give you the best room? Why didn’t you help me?" Jesus gently replied that He would only care for what was given to Him. The man understood; he had given Jesus only a part of his life, not the whole. So the young man surrendered his entire house to Jesus, every room, every corner. That night, when evil tried to attack again, it was Jesus who answered the door, and darkness fled.

This Sunday’s message is clear: live by faith and be ready, placing your trust in God even when you cannot see the road ahead. The readings encourage us to loosen our grip on worldly securities and trust more deeply in God’s guidance. Everything we have, our time, talents, and opportunities come from God. He asks us to use them well, to love generously, and to live as though we truly trust Him.

The first reading, from the Book of Wisdom, recalls the anticipation and faith of the Israelites on the night before their deliverance from Egypt. They awaited freedom not with blind optimism, but with a faith grounded in God’s promises: “That night had been foretold to our ancestors, so that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage.” The Israelites’ every action, their preparations, prayers, and even songs were shaped by a deep certainty: that God would act as He had sworn. This “waiting” was not idle; it was active participation in God’s plan. They consecrated themselves, sacrificed together, and kept vigil, courageously trusting that what they could not see was more real than their current oppression.

Jesus echoes this in the Gospel: be ready, keep your lamps lit, and be faithful with what has been entrusted to you. The servants who anticipate their master’s return are blessed. The message is clear: life is uncertain, be steadfast in love, diligent in service, and responsible with your gifts.

The call isn’t meant to fill us with fear, but with hope. The reading makes sense in this year of jubilee. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid, little flock.” We are not alone on this journey. God’s care surrounds us, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty. The lessons are not about anxiety over the future, but about living with expectant hope, trusting that no act of love, no moment of faithfulness is ever wasted in God’s eyes.

Let us draw some practical lessons and Encouragement from today’s readings: 

Let Go of Attachments: The things we amass or accumulate in this world, such as wealth, status, possessions, cannot be compared to the eternal riches God offers. We are stewards, not owners. The wise and faithful Christian is always ready to offer his or her gifts in service to God and neighbour.

Let us Live in Faith, Not in Anxiety: Like the Israelites before the Exodus and Abraham setting out for the unknown, faith means trusting the promise even before it is visible. Such trust brings profound peace, even in uncertainty.

Let us Be Ready, always: God’s call can come at any time. It could be in opportunities to love, serve, or forgive. Keep your "lamp" burning: a heart ready, a spirit awake, a life open to God’s voice.

Jesus concludes His teaching by saying, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more, will be demanded." In other words, we have to be accountable for our deeds. For those who are entrusted with the care of souls, more will be demanded of them. This includes each one of us, clergy, religious, teachers, parents, and all Christians who have the task of proclaiming the kingdom of God.  To retain a vibrant faith Jesus makes three demands of his followers.  First, we are to share with the needy.  Secondly, we must be vigilant and prepared, living our lives integrated by faith.  Thirdly, whatever be our task in life, we must carry it out faithfully and responsibly in a spirit of service.

Let us trust in Jesus our master, completely. Let us not hold anything back; when he comes, let us find ourselves worthy servants with our lamps lit. 

Happy Sunday