19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Ready or not here he comes
The gospel reading for this Sunday seems out of place. The reading has an Advent flavor.
Advent is a time in the liturgical year the church reflects on the first coming of Christ. It is also a time of anticipating the Lords second coming. And a time for Christians to discover the many ways God enters our lives on a daily basis.
The first and second readings have all the ear marks of the Advent season.
The first reading taken from the book of Wisdom speaks about the awaited salvation of the just. The key word awaited reminds us that we must wait until the time is fulfilled for our Lord to return.
The second reading from Hebrews speaks to us about faith, specifically the faith demonstrated by Abraham. By faith he obeyed God. By faith he sojourned to the promised land. By faith he had a son in his old age.
Our spiritual journey is much like that of Abraham. By faith we wander the land in search of the promised land we call heaven. At times our hearts are heavy and our burdens are almost unbearable.
We long for the day we meet Jesus face to face. We long for the day when we will be reunited with loved ones. We long for the day when we can feast at the Lords table for all eternity.
So why are these readings placed in ordinary time? We need to be reminded that our spiritual journey is made up of anticipation waiting and preparation. These tasks are to be undertaken year round not just during Advent.
We must be ready
The scripture tells to gird our loins. The dress of the day for men was a flowing robe. They hiked up the robe and tucked it in and went to work. We must be prepared for the journey.
We must light our lamps. Our master might return during the third or fourth watch. Our lamp allows us to see any one who might approach. Our light will be a sign to our Lord that we are vigilant.
We must be Vigilant
The word vigilant means to be alert to watch and to stay awake. We don’t want the Lord to find us asleep when he returns. Remember Jesus praying in the garden in agony. He returned to the disciples to find them asleep. How many Christians will Jesus find asleep when he returns?
We must be prepared
For at an hour you do not expect the son of man will come. The church has provided all we need to prepare ourselves for his return. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion received on a regular basis will provide for our spiritual needs.
If Jesus returns today will you be glad to see him?
Will he be glad to see you?
The gospel reading for this Sunday seems out of place. The reading has an Advent flavor.
Advent is a time in the liturgical year the church reflects on the first coming of Christ. It is also a time of anticipating the Lords second coming. And a time for Christians to discover the many ways God enters our lives on a daily basis.
The first and second readings have all the ear marks of the Advent season.
The first reading taken from the book of Wisdom speaks about the awaited salvation of the just. The key word awaited reminds us that we must wait until the time is fulfilled for our Lord to return.
The second reading from Hebrews speaks to us about faith, specifically the faith demonstrated by Abraham. By faith he obeyed God. By faith he sojourned to the promised land. By faith he had a son in his old age.
Our spiritual journey is much like that of Abraham. By faith we wander the land in search of the promised land we call heaven. At times our hearts are heavy and our burdens are almost unbearable.
We long for the day we meet Jesus face to face. We long for the day when we will be reunited with loved ones. We long for the day when we can feast at the Lords table for all eternity.
So why are these readings placed in ordinary time? We need to be reminded that our spiritual journey is made up of anticipation waiting and preparation. These tasks are to be undertaken year round not just during Advent.
We must be ready
The scripture tells to gird our loins. The dress of the day for men was a flowing robe. They hiked up the robe and tucked it in and went to work. We must be prepared for the journey.
We must light our lamps. Our master might return during the third or fourth watch. Our lamp allows us to see any one who might approach. Our light will be a sign to our Lord that we are vigilant.
We must be Vigilant
The word vigilant means to be alert to watch and to stay awake. We don’t want the Lord to find us asleep when he returns. Remember Jesus praying in the garden in agony. He returned to the disciples to find them asleep. How many Christians will Jesus find asleep when he returns?
We must be prepared
For at an hour you do not expect the son of man will come. The church has provided all we need to prepare ourselves for his return. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion received on a regular basis will provide for our spiritual needs.
If Jesus returns today will you be glad to see him?
Will he be glad to see you?
