Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:

This Sunday’s Gospel is a continuation of a longer discourse. While there is an option for an abbreviated form of the Gospel to be read in churches, the full passage is worth reading sometime this week (Luke 12:32-48). The text breaks up neatly into three sections; all dealing with themes we’ve heard about the last several weeks.

The first section builds on the idea of the place and purpose of possessions in the Christian’s life (12:32-34). As the Lord has explained the last several weeks, he repeats that we are called to build up heavenly treasure—avoiding the temptation towards greed for earthly things. His image of a moth eating away at earthly treasure may be a helpful aid to personal prayer.

The second section transitions to another theme: being prepared for the arrival of the Master (12:35-40). Jesus uses an image we’ll revisit on Holy Thursday when he washes the feet of the Apostles (John 13:1–5). I think its important to read these words of Christ without fear in our hearts: certainly, we should be prepared to meet the Lord, whether in heaven or in our neighbor in need. But the Lord does not desire us to be fretful or agitated. Every Sunday the Lord enters our lives in the Holy Eucharist, so we should take care, as his servants, to prepare our hearts to receive the Master with great joy.

The final section ties together the first and second themes (12:41-48). Jesus tells a short parable in response to Peter’s question, explaining both the need to remain steadfast and vigilant for the Master’s arrival, while also stewarding the Lord’s gifts in a good way. Every person is blessed and loved in a unique and infinite way from God, and this may be manifest in different gifts, talents, and treasures. May we use these gifts well as we labor in the Lord’s Vineyard.

In closing, I’ll recommend this abbreviated prayer of St. John Henry Newman:

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. Still, He knows what He is about.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Matt Faucett
7 August 2022
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time