Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C (2025)
Sunday, August 10, 2025
My neighbor Katie has never seen me, but knows me by my voice. She moves through her home with her hands lightly tracing the familiar contours of the furniture, a testament to a lifetime spent adapting to the world without sight. In the tactile environment she has created, her blindness is not a limitation within these walls, but a different way of moving around them. Outside, I see her quiet, steadfast faith in her service dog, or companion, as they guide her through unfamiliar terrain, enabling her to experience things that her senses and skills alone cannot provide.
Today’s readings call us to a deeper understanding of faith and trust in God’s promises. They invite us to consider how we live our lives in anticipation of His return. Faith is a gift that underpins our relationship with God and guides our life’s journey. In the readings, we encounter deep insights into what it means to live faithfully amidst uncertainty and challenges, and Jesus calls us to readiness. The Israelites, in the reading from Wisdom, awaited their salvation with confidence, resting firmly on the promises made to them by God, a reminder that faith often precedes understanding; we believe before we see. There are moments when we might find ourselves in the dark, facing trials and tribulations. During these times, we are called to faithfulness, trusting in God’s providence even when the path forward is obscured. The second reading further enlightens our understanding of faith: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1. This encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a Christian. Our faith is not a blind allegiance but a deep-seated trust in God, rooted in hope and conviction. The ancients mentioned in Hebrews, like Abraham, exemplified this commitment. Abraham’s journey is particularly illuminating. He left his home, not knowing his destination, driven solely by faith in God’s promises. How incredible it must have been for him to step into the unknown! Abraham’s faith led him to respond to God’s call actively. His willingness to offer Isaac, his only son, underscores the depth of his trust in God. We are invited to consider our own faith. Do we surrender to God’s will? Are we open to moving beyond our comfort zones, even when we don’t have all the answers? Our faith is tested in moments of uncertainty, and it is in these moments that we can truly witness God’s work in our lives. In the Gospel reading, Jesus uses the parable of servants awaiting their master’s return, encouraging us to live in a state of readiness. Here, faith is also intertwined with action. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts we have received, to distribute food and care to others in need, and to remain watchful for God’s return. Jesus warns that “much will be required of the person entrusted with much.” — Luke 12:48. As we grow in faith, we must also grow in our commitment to action. How are we using the gifts God has given us for the greater good? Are we promoting justice, compassion, and mercy in our communities?
Let us renew our commitment to live faithfully, embracing God’s promises with courage and hope. May our lives reflect His mercy, hope, and love in a world that desperately needs them.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.