Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Joseph Tuan Pham

Sermon • Submitted 2 months ago • Presented 2 months ago

Luke 12:39–48

Awake

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Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

LK 12:39-48

ow would we react if our Lord Jesus were to come tonight?

Ultimately, it would be a moment of deep reflection. We would ask ourselves: Have we lived in faith? Have we loved others? Are we ready to stand before Him?

In today's Gospel, Jesus once again emphasizes the need to be vigilant and ready for the Lord's coming. Our Lord will come on the day we do not expect “for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

General Marc Arthur, after World War II, as an experienced military leader, once said: "The history of defeats in war can be summed up in two words: ‘Too late.’ Too late because one is not ready. Too late because one has not prepared enough." Perhaps this general had contemplated the words of an ancient Roman general as a guide for conducting warfare: "Si vis pacem, para bellum": if you want peace, prepare for war.

In ancient China, a similar thought existed: "In times of peace, practice martial arts; in times of chaos, read books." This saying advises that in peaceful times, one should not sit idly enjoying leisure but should be prepared for what is coming unexpectedly so that when conflict arises, one is ready to handle any unexpected situation that may occur.

Whether we are young or old, healthy or unwell, what truly matters is how we live. Are we awake or asleep? Are we ready for the day of the Lord?

Dear brothers and sisters, the choice to be vigilant and faithful stewards is ours. If we stay ready for the Lord’s coming, Jesus will help us transform our lives and our eternal future. This is crucial: when the Master arrives, if He finds us prepared, we will be rewarded as faithful servants.

In that moment, the Master will call us friends and invite us to His table in the kingdom, where we will delight in God’s presence. But first, let us listen to St. Paul's words: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Eph 5:14).