19^th SUNDAY -C-
AUGUST 10, 2025

by Jude Siciliano, OP

Dear Preachers:

The author of the Book of Wisdom was addressing a problem we moderns are also experiencing. The years after Alexander the Great tried to Hellenize (i.e. make Greek in form and character) the known world, many Jews were drawn away from their faith. Large numbers were living in the Diaspora and attracted to the philosophies and cults of their foreign environs. It is similar today to the way our secular values draw many away from the faith we profess.

Wisdom addresses those who work geographically and spiritually far from their ancestral faith. The author proclaims that true wisdom is found in one God, the God of Israel.

The reading from Wisdom we hear today is like a section of a homily. It reflects on the Exodus experience, the key moment in Israel’s formation as the people of God. The ancient readers, including us, are reminded of God’s fidelity to the people, especially when they were in slavery. As we Christians ponder on Israel’s deliverance we are renewed in our awareness of God’s freeing actions on our behalf in Jesus Christ. God has fulfilled the promises made to our ancestors Abraham and Sarah. Jesus’ Passover also brings about deliverance from sin and death for us.

Wisdom emphasizes the care with which God protected the people of Israel. Because the people trusted God, they were ready to begin their journey out of slavery to freedom. This is a favorite and central biblical message: our God is a freeing God and will give us what we need to lead us out of bondage. Over the generations of faith, the Jews could recall what God had once done for them as they faced still one more challenge, one more journey to freedom.

How very fitting is our Responsorial Psalm to the Wisdom reading: "Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own."

[Let’s focus on the initial selection from Luke given us today: 12:32 – 40.]

For a few days this week our television here at the priory has been giving us trouble. I mentioned to someone after Mass today that we haven’t been able to watch the evening news. He said, "I can’t watch the local and world news these days, it is so upsetting and sad!" I think the same, but I feel somewhat obliged to watch the news, despite the anger and sadness it stirs up in me.

Jesus tells his "little flock" not to be afraid any longer. I want to say, "Are you kidding! Have you seen the latest news about: the cutbacks for the poor; global warming; the wars in the East; violence on our streets; disease, homelessness, hunger etc.?" Maybe we should not get our television fixed; who wants to learn about the justifiable fears so many of our world experience?

Luke spells it out: we are to put first what matters to God. Fear should not be a distraction that draws us away from the work Jesus has given us to do as his disciples. Nor is it to hinder us from hearing and believing His assurance of God’s tender and attentive care for us. While we usually put our confidence in "money bags," of one kind or another, purses and stock portfolios will wear out, Jesus warns. Instead, our priority is not to the attractions of the world, but to the gift of God’s very self in Jesus, "… For your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom."

In chapters 12 and 13 Jesus speaks clearly and urgently of the dangers and challenges a disciple will face. For example: the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (12:1); fear of human beings, rather than God (12: 4-5); denying Christ (12:8 – 9); anxiety about material things (12:22 – 31); not being watchful and ready (12:35-48); false confidence in belongings (13:24 – 27), etc. Chapters 12 and 13 present Jesus both as a warning prophet and a patient, merciful shepherd. He urges us to stay awake, be courageous, resist false securities and stay faithful, despite the high cost asked of us.

Note Jesus’ instruction and parable. Disciples are to "gird your loins" (i.e. fasten your belts) and keep lamps burning at the ready to serve Jesus’ way. His Jewish listeners would have recognized the instructions God gave for the celebration of the Passover meal. We are to be like people prepared to travel, and ready to respond to God’s directives at a moment’s notice.

The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we are pilgrims, not stuck worrying about the passing things of this world, but ready to respond, even realign, the direction of our lives. That is what Abraham and Sarah did in response to God’s call: that’s what we are to do, whenever and however God calls us.

Today’s worship places before us our ancestors in faith, Abraham and Sarah, to bolster us in difficult times. Let’s use today’s celebration to recall those who, in our lifetimes, have been similar witnesses – parents, family, friends and community members, who "went out, not knowing where [they] were going." Perhaps these modern witnesses volunteer to work in a shelter for the homeless; visit the sick; work in the parish office; sing in the choir; go before local government; teach children in religious ed programs; work in an inner city school; strive to be honest employees or just employers; serve in civic jobs like police officers, fire fighters, as emergency medical personnel----no matter how big or seeming insignificant their "stepping out" was, these are people who decided to follow an inner calling, to choose a life journey faithful to God and responsive to those around them. They may have turned down promotions or other jobs, because, as they might put it, "I like what I am doing, I believe in my own way, I am serving God," or "I like helping people."

At this Eucharistic meal, Jesus feeds us followers who have grown weary, or fearful in our service. Here he welcomes us, sits us down at the table, invites us to eat and rest. At the table we are refreshed so that when we leave this place, guided by the Spirit, ready to "tighten our belts," and light our lamps, we will be refreshed and able to live the life Jesus has called us to today.