19^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-C

I Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9: By the same act with which you took vengeance on our foes, you made us glorious by calling us to you.

II Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-19: Abraham looked forward to a city founded, designed and built by God.

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48: You too must stand ready.

The Parable of the Faithful and Unfaithful Manager: A Strong Warning-Be Prepared, Lk 12:35-38

Today’s three readings have a common purpose: to enlighten the faith of those to whom they were addressed and to bolster their courage.

1. A group of Jews ashamed of their past.

2. A group of Jews becomes Christians, tempted to go back to Judaism.

3. A group of Christian communities who became discouraged due to the apparent delay in Jesus’ second coming.

4. A surprising and consoling conclusion of the parable.

We must never waver in our faith in Christ, nor get discouraged in living a truly Christian life, whatever the cost.

Jesus was still dealing with wealth, riches, plenty and covetousness. The believer’s mind is to be upon the purity of life and service, not upon possessions and cares of this world. Jesus strongly warned: be prepared.

1. The charge: be watching-be and ready for the Lord’s return (v.35-40)

a. because the Lord is returning

b. because you will be saved by Christ himself

c. because you will be blessed (it will be good for you)

d. because Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly

e. because Christ will come when least expected

2. The parable of the manager (v.41-48)

a. there is Peter’s question

b. there is a faithful and wise manager

  1) he is a manager

  2) he is a servant

  3) he is found “doing” serving faithfully

  4) he is to be rewarded: made a ruler, put in charge

c. there is an unfaithful and unwise manager

  1) he says there is “plenty of time”

  2) he does his own will, his own thing

  3) he is to be judged with the unbelievers

d. there is the unfaithful manager identified

  1) the first class of unfaithful managers: sinned deliberately-knew the Lord’s will

  2) the second class of unfaithful managers: sinned in ignorance-did not know the Lord’s will

  3) the principle of judgement: having much requires giving much

Thought: A person must open his or her heart immediately when Jesus comes.

Gospel: Luke 12:39-48: When a man has had a great deal given him, a great deal will be demanded of him.