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May 20, 2025Homily – The Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2025“Living in Faithful Readiness.”
The Children’s Liturgy Questions Can Be Found at the Bottom of Today’s Homily
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ; One of the most difficult virtues in life is patience — especially when we are waiting for something important. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on a particular kind of waiting: faithful and vigilant waiting for the Lord. God is calling us to live not just for the moment, but with eyes fixed on eternity — to live each day ready, alert, and committed to the mission He has given us.
First Reading: Wisdom 18:6–9–This reading recalls the faith of the Israelites during the night of the Passover. They trusted that God would deliver them as He promised. Though they were still slaves in Egypt, they celebrated with confidence in God’s word. This teaches us that faith is not just believing when everything is visible. Faith means trusting even when the situation seems unchanged. Like the Israelites, we too live in a world of challenges — wars, sickness, poverty, broken families — yet we are called to celebrate with hope. Why? Because we trust that God’s promise of freedom and salvation is real and active, even if we don’t see it immediately.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19–The writer of Hebrews gives us a deep reflection on faith. “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Abraham is given as an example — he obeyed God and left his home not knowing where he was going, simply because he trusted in God’s promise. In our modern world, we often want to see results before we commit. But God often works silently and gradually. Like Abraham, we may be called to take difficult steps — moving to a new place, forgiving someone, starting a new ministry, enduring a sickness — not knowing the full outcome. But a person of faith acts because they believe, not because they can calculate every detail.
Gospel: Luke 12:32–48 —Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom” and invites them to stay ready, like servants waiting for their master’s return. He also warns that much will be expected of those who have received much. This Gospel is both comforting and challenging. It reminds us that Jesus is coming back, and we do not know when. That could be the end of time, or simply the moment of our death. The question is: are we living each day in a way that we would not be ashamed if the Lord returned today? Are we loving our neighbors, serving the Church, praying sincerely, and living with integrity? At the same time, Jesus assures us that we are not alone: “Do not be afraid.” God gives us grace, strength, and the Holy Spirit. We are His little flock, and He is the Good Shepherd.
Dear brothers and sisters, today’s message is simple but powerful: Live in faithful readiness. Trust in God’s promises like Abraham. Live with hope like the Israelites. Stay awake and serve like faithful servants. In a world where many are living only for comfort, success, and immediate satisfaction, we are reminded to live for something greater — the Kingdom of God. Let us teach our children to live with purpose. Let us use our time, talents, and treasures to bless others. And let us walk each day as if it were our last — not in fear, but in joyful expectation that when the Master comes, He will find us ready and faithful. Amen.
Questions from the Children’s Liturgy:
10 simple Yes-or-No questions for children, based on the Gospel of the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 12:32-48):
- Q: Does Jesus call His followers a “little flock”?
A: Yes. - Q: Does Jesus tell us to be afraid of God’s kingdom?
A: No. - Q: Does Jesus say we should be ready for His coming at any time?
A: Yes. - Q: In the story, does the master come back exactly when the servants expect?
A: No. - Q: Will the servants who are ready be blessed?
A: Yes. - Q: Does Jesus compare His coming to a thief coming in the night?
A: Yes. - Q: Does Jesus want us to waste what He gives us?
A: No. - Q: Should a faithful servant take care of others while the master is away?
A: Yes. - Q: Did Jesus say, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much.”?
A: Yes. - Q: Can we know the exact day and hour when Jesus will return?
A: No.
