By Fr. Andrew Kelly
NINETEENTH SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME – AUGUST 11, 2013
In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus said: “So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.” (Luke 12:21) Growing “rich towards God” becomes the lifetime project for all believers.
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 12:32-48) Jesus informs the disciples how to become “rich towards God:”
‘Do not be afraid, little flock…Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The remainder of Sunday’s Gospel is about believers being vigilant and watchful for the Lord’s return.
“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit…Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when the master comes…”
“Dressed for action,” “lamps lit” and “alert” could mean every day growing “rich towards God” by selling possessions and giving alms to the poorest and neediest of all God’s children.
If the Lord comes and finds believing individuals and communities (slaves) so “alert,” the Lord will become the servant slave of the servant slaves: “…truly I tell you, the Master will fasten his belt and have the slaves sit down to eat, and the Master will come and serve them.”
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
Scripture Readings for Aug. 11-18
Sunday
Wis 18:6-9
Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or Heb 11:1-2, 8-12
Lk 12:32-48 or Lk 12:35-40
Monday
Dt 10:12-22
Mt 17:22-27
Tuesday
Dt 31:1-8
Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Wednesday
Dt 34:1-12
Mt 18:15-20
Thursday
Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
1 Cor 15:20-27
Lk 1:39-56
Friday
Jos 24:1-13
Mt 19:3-12
Saturday
Jos 24:14-29
Mt 19:13-15
Sunday
Jer 38:4-6, 8-10
Heb 12:1-4
Lk 12:49-53
