The Gift of Faith and the Call

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 10, 2025

Readings: Wisdom 18:6–9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18–22; Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19; Luke 12:35–40

Before you express your faith in someone else, you must express it in yourself. Being confident, having faith in oneself, is as essential as oxygen to one's heart. Our life experience tells us that unless and until you believe in yourself and in your abilities, no one can help you to develop confidence by giving a lecture or some exercise. It is the faith and belief that one has that makes the person who he or she is. The ultimate goal of our lives is to live our lives fully and faithfully. St. Irenaeus’ famous insight on the vocation of the human person, “The glory of God is man fully alive”, fits perfectly with the heart of today's liturgical readings.

1. Being alive means being confident

Jesus’ call to be awake, active, and ready is exactly what it means to be “fully alive” in faith. A “fully alive” Christian is not simply breathing and existing but is alert in love, generous in service, and anchored in the hope of God’s Kingdom. Readiness for the Master’s return is not about fearful waiting—it’s about living each moment vibrantly in Christ, allowing His grace to animate our thoughts, words, and deeds.

Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel (Luke 12:35–40) open with a tender assurance: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Faith begins here—in the certainty that God is not a reluctant giver but a joyful one. Our journey toward heaven is not about earning a stingy master’s favour but about receiving the abundant love of a Father who delights in blessing His children. This is the heartbeat of Christian hope: God desires us to share in His Kingdom even more than we desire it ourselves.

2. Call of discipleship involves urgency to act

Jesus emphasizes that his disciples to be ever ready. Being bold and confident is what Jesus expects from his disciples. When Jesus called his first disciples, he did not make any arguments or propositions to be his disciples. He simply called them, and they were ready. Perhaps that must be the reason why Jesus chose at least the four fishermen as his first disciples. The experience shows that fishermen are very bold and adventurous. They believe in their tremendous willpower and patience.

We see Jesus invites his disciples in urgency to be ready. He says, "Be ready, dressed for action, with lamps lit." The Christian life is not passive waiting—it is an active, alert, purposeful readiness. Heaven is a gift, but it is not for the drowsy soul. The Lord warns us that our faith cannot be half-asleep, living as if there will always be more time to repent, to serve, to forgive, to love.

3. Discipleship finds security in the Master alone

Jesus believes not in words but in actions. It is not the servant who is simply “believing,” but the one who is “doing”—caring for the household, stewarding resources, keeping watch wins the appreciation. Faith is not merely a thought or a sentiment; it is a lived commitment. In fact, Jesus also speaks of accountability. To whom much is given, much will be required. Every gift—our faith, talents, resources, relationships—is a trust. As Christians, we are called to live in a way that reflects the One we follow. 

Jesus gives us an important lesson to those who are faithful towards their duties. He says that when the Master returns and finds His servants ready, He will dress Himself to serve, have them recline at the table, and come and wait on them. This reverses all human expectations. In the Kingdom of God, the Lord Himself serves His faithful ones. He will show love, mercy, and generosity.

Questions for self-reflection

1. What would change in my daily life if I lived as though Jesus could return at any moment?
2. In what specific ways can I “keep my lamp lit” this week—through prayer, acts of love, or service?
3. Where have I been given much, and how am I being a faithful steward of those gifts?
4. Am I living my faith in a way that makes me “fully alive” in Christ?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the Master who loves, serves, and calls us to be ready. Keep my heart awake and my lamp burning with faith, so that when You come, I may be found living in love, serving with joy, and trusting in Your promises. Make me fully alive in You, so that my life may give glory to the Father and draw others to the hope of Your Kingdom. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

August 08, 2025