The readings of the 19th Sunday in ordinary time invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and the call to vigilant stewardship in our lives. The readings encourage believers to stay faithful, prepare for what is to come, and rely on God’s promises. In the first reading from the book of wisdom we see a powerful image of hope. The Israelites held on to their faith during the time of their liberation, realizing that their deliverance was rooted in God’s promise. They exemplified a profound trust believing that God would save them. This teaches us that faith is not just a passive belief it is an active trust in God’s goodness and timing, especially in our moments of trial. Today’s psalm echoes this sentiment, reminding us that those who hope in the Lord are blessed. God watches over us, guarding our hearts and guiding us and proclaim our trust in His providence. In the letter to the Hebrews, faith is defined as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” . The example of Abraham and the patriarchs stand before us as a model of unwavering trust. They ventured into the unknown, believing that God would fulfill His promises, even when the fulfillment lay far beyond their earthly lives.
In the Gospel from Luke, Jesus emphasizes that our faith should translate into readiness. He speaks of servants waiting for their master, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and responsible with what has been entrusted to us. Luke chapter 12 is part of Jesu’s longer discourse on discipleship and the coming kingdom. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, likely within a larger crowd (Luke 12:1). The entire chapter deals with the themes of vigilance, trust in God, detachment from wealth and preparation for the coming of the son of Man. The section from verses 32-48 continues this theme, presenting a combination of encouragement (do not be afraid, little flock) and serious warning (the parables of the faithful and unfaithful servants). Luke, writing for a gentile- Christian audience, emphasizes a universal eschatological message: readiness, watchfulness, and the judgement of those entrusted with responsibility. Jesus addresses his disciples tenderly as a little flock, indicating both their vulnerability and his role as the good shepherd. The phrase “it has pleased the father to give you the kingdom” points to God’s initiative: the kingdom is not earned but freely given.
The encouragement to ‘not fear’ is vital in the Lucan context: persecution, societal rejection, and martyrdom were real concerns for early Christians. “Sell your possession…..for where your treasure is…” echoes the Lucan emphasis on poverty and detachment. This teaching is not about alms giving but about re-orienting one’s entire heart toward the heavenly treasure. The “money bags that do not grow old” signify eternal security, contrasting with the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21). Stand ready; “the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect”, the imagery is eschatological, believers must live in readiness for the return of Christ. Verse 37 is striking: ‘the master will serve the servants’ a radical inversion of social norms, pointing to the self-giving love of Christ. The beatitude: like promise (blessed are those servants) affirms the blessedness of watchful faithfulness. “Stand ready; the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect”
A second parable follows: of the thief in the night, emphasizing surprise and urgency. “You must be ready” is a call to live every moment in view of eternity. The title “son of man” aligns this with Daniel 7 and apocalyptic expectation; it is also Jesus’ self-designation as the eschatological judge. At this point in Jesus’ explanation, Peter enquired of him if what he was saying was meant only for apostles or for everyone. Peter’s question triggers a clarification; Jesus’ teaching is not just for the disciples, but especially for those entrusted with responsibility. The parable illustrates different kinds of servants: faithful and prudent servants …rewarded. A negligent servant who abuses power punished severely ignorant but disobedient servants punished less harshly. Verse 48 contains the powerful principle: “to whom much is given, much will be required” this is not only about authority, but about grace, knowledge, and gifts entrusted to each believer. In a word, Luke wanted his Christians to realize that they had no reason for discouragement. Jesus was already fulfilling in them his every promise. Let them keep their faith in him unshaken, let them be faithful; Christ would not fail them.