19th Sunday of Ordinary

          The Lord has assured us of his salvation, and that his word will be fulfilled. In the first reading the people of Israel look back at their history and discover that God has always been faithful. This gives them courage and hope for the future. The Gospel invites us to be always vigilant, to be always ready for the Lord when he brings liberation. He may come when we least expect him. The second reading speaks of Abraham and Sarah, models of faith in God. They heeded the voice of God and responded. They believed in his salvation even when appearances suggested the contrary. They were always vigilant.

           In our journey through life, there is an event that we definitely need to prepare for. That is the day we are going to meet our Lord, not just in prayer, or in the sacraments, but in a visible, unmistakable way at the end of life’s journey through this life. It’s a meeting most of us like to put off as long as possible. That’s why our Lord warns us to prepare for it, and he uses two simple examples of wedding celebrations and a thief, because we may tend to procrastinate or just put it out of our minds altogether.

           Again, the reason Jesus warns us is not to fill us with fear, but because he loves us and wants us to share in all the blessings he has for us. IF we’re not ready, we may miss out. Being prepared is the way we live our lives in faith and love. Faith and love are not superficial attitudes that have no substance. They are attitudes that guide us to live our life every day the way Jesus taught us. St. Catherine of Siena, a 14^th Century Dominican Sister, she said, “IF you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze.” In addition she said, “Preach the truth as if we had a million voices, for it is silence that kills the world.” On your life journey, one bad chapter does not mean your story is over. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.