WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23, 2024
WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY NINETH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
St John of Capistrano, P. (Opt. Mem.)
Ephesians 3:2- 12
Luke 12:39-48
KEEP WORKING AND NEVER BE IDLE
In the life of a Christian, the only allowance to be admitted is that of improvement, growth in faith, morals and virtues. No other thoughts of skiding off or backsliding must be entertained. Neither must anyone entertain any chance of idleness, lukewarmness or indifference. All these are against the spirit and morals of the Christian faith and life. We must keep working.
So a good Christian keeps on working, living, following the teachings of Christ, listening to the commands of Christ and being propelled by love, hope and faith holding fast to the rewards awaiting in the heavenly places.
Our Gospel today urges us on this course of action. Jesus reminds us again to be ready at all times for his coming. That we must be found working, expectant and never idle because he is coming like a thief in the night. And he expects us to be on duty, the duty of life.
Our duty is better captured by Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in the first reading. “to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. “
We live to spread the message of the kingdom of God. Our lives can only be meaningful when we assume this task. And in carrying out this task, there is no break, no leave, no sabbatical, no rest, no need to even think of stopping. The only meaning of rest, break, or sabbatical is to retire in reflection, in prayer and in supplication in order to return stronger, better focused and equipped for the task ahead.
The mystery of Christ must be served continuously, selflessly, sincerely and faithfully. The fear of Christ coming must not bother us. His last coming, to gather his elect, at the final perusal must never trouble us, rather it should propel us to work more.
We will even be concerned more on his coming in grace to aid our work, to advance our work, to grace our efforts. We must always be expectant of his coming each day in grace to keep us afloat and on course. We must never loose sight of his coming in grace each day in our lives to enliven our work, to grace our efforts.
So the fear of his last coming must not catch us. For his rewards we are gracefully awaiting. Let us be the faithful and wise stewards that recognizes that God has placed us in charge of his work, his household to give them their measure of food at the appropriate time.
We must be up and about, never failing, never careless and never idle at any point but always intent on good works, so that we may be truly faithful. Then the rewards of the good faithful servants will be awaiting us. May God deliver us from all forms of laxity that may claim our heavenly rewards and may he set us always on the path of salvation and victory.
God our Father, you have assigned us the task of preaching your mysteries and working for your glory. Grant us resilient spirit of perseverance in the task of spreading the gospel, living the virtuous life and growing in grace. May we never grow tired, lukewarm or indifferent. Grant that propelled by faith, animated by love and always in grace we may persist in good works, virtuous life and enjoy life of blessings in you through Christ our Lord
Fr Norbert Uchuno
