Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time:  August 7, 2022
 
Wisdom 18:6-9: This brief passage shines for us as a reminder to always maintain hope in God, even in times of trial and persecution. We are called to remember that the final victory of good over evil is spelled out for us in the book of Revelation and in Jesus’ promises in the Gospels for those who keep the faith. Just as the Jewish exiles had been told about the Passover miracle of deliverance ahead of time, so that they could anticipate it with joyful hope, so we have been given the hope-inspired message of salvation and deliverance from sin and death in the Gospel. We know that Jesus’ Kingdom will soon be the victor over evil forces and the power of death in our life and world.

Psalm 33: “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own.” While our first reading fills us with an aura of hope, today’s psalm proclaims our need to give thanks to God; to exult in His goodness and give praise to Him, as His chosen people. The psalmist reassures those who fear the Lord and keep His commandments, that God sees them. God knows the just and those who have the hope for deliverance and salvation described in the first reading. The faithful are promised protection, deliverance from death and relief from famine and dire suffering. The psalmist conveys a tone of watchful, hopeful waiting and an awe-inspired expectancy that God does and will fulfill all His promises. The psalmist expresses calm faith and trust in the Lord, paired with patient and confident yearning. How well do we share this confident faith and trust? Let’s pray to the Holy Spirit that we may share that more fully.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19:  Today, St. Paul adds to our reflection on faith, hope and trust in God. Paul defines faith as “the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Today, we ponder the faithful obedience modeled for us by Abraham as he traversed the time of exile in the desert, while on the way to the promised land. Like Abraham, we are being called to look forward, past our present burdens and to cultivate trust in God to eventually relieve us of all of these challenges and trials. Our own “promised land” awaits us in Heaven, where every tear will be wiped away. Meanwhile, let’s reflect upon our being called to be willing to “give up, all” in order to fully expect and experience “receiving all,” as have so many faithful disciples throughout the ages. We aren’t called to be mediocre, but to be Saints!

Luke 12:32-48:  Now that we’ve received and pondered the prophetic message evolving from Old Testament times, to New Testament times, Jesus shows us how to practically and simply “live” faithful and spiritually fruitful lives. We’re enthusiastically encouraged to lavishly share our time, talents, treasures and resources to love, care for and serve others. We’re promised that if we let go of our earthly treasures, we’ll be rewarded with eternal treasures in Heaven. These Heavenly treasures are promised to be imperishable and unable to be stolen… a secure and certain reward.

Jesus exhorts us to prepare ourselves for death and judgment by living virtuous, loving and merciful lives. We’re commanded to overcome greed and selfishness. We’re called to avoid immorality of all kinds and to eat and drink, moderately. Because of His great love, Jesus makes virtuous living an appealing invitation to eternal happiness, not a negative threat. Let’s follow Him, whole-heartedly! 
 
Deacon Matt