NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME_Year C

I think our understanding of the end times and Christ’s second coming has, in many ways been tainted by American protestantism.

We view it as something to fear rather than something to hope for.

We look at the events in the world around us, and we think to ourselves “the end must be near,” as if it is something that could not happen now, but soon.

However, our Lord tells us, “You also must be prepared; for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

At an hour we do not expect, we will come to that homeland, that kingdom, which God has prepared for us.

That homeland, which, knowingly or not, we have desired our whole lives.

At any moment, the world as we know it will pass away.

At any moment, Christ could come again.

How do we feel at this prospect?

Are we fearful or are we excited?

I think that this question is a good test of how we are doing in our spiritual lives.

If we are fearful, then perhaps we are too attached to this world. Perhaps we are too attached to our ambitions and projects, that even the greatest thing that could ever happen to us is the subject of fear.

How should we feel about the prospect of Christ’s return at an unexpected time?

Excitement

Early Church, eager expectation.

Even staying up late, watching, waiting, hoping that Christ would return.

Like little children, waiting for their father to come home.

My story.

So what if we are fearful?

Know that, as Jesus says, “your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”

Give alms

In giving alms, we grow detached from the things of this world, and we place our hearts in heaven, where our true treasure is.

The more we hope for, and the more we expect, Christ to come again, the more he will reward us with his presence.

So let us be like the servants, who wait eagerly for Christ to come, so that we might be blessed.