Christ’s coming! Are you prepared?
august 10, 2025 | 19th sunday in ordinary time, Year C
Wisdom 18:6-9, Ps 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48
Dear friends in the Lord, on this 19th Sunday, the Lord invites us to be ready for his return. Being "ready for the coming of the Lord" for us Christians, generally means being prepared, through faith and righteous living, for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Being ready does not imply knowing the exact time, or hour or day, but it's about living in a way that pleases God and anticipates His return. Vincent Pallotti teaches that being ready is about knowing the signs of the times, accepting the uncertainties, and continuing to live a life of faith and service daily. We are encouraged to be like servants awaiting their master's return.
Let’s be alert and ready
In a society filled with all kinds of distraction, Jesus invites us this Sunday to be watchful and prepared for Jesus' second coming. We must live for heaven, therefore we should expect Christ’s coming at a time we do not expect. In the Book of wisdom, the people of God awaited the salvation of the just, and the destruction of their foes with faith and courage. For St. Augustine, to be ready involves living a life of faith, love, and good works, reflecting the mercy and justice we hope to receive from God. How am I getting ready for the return of Christ?
Live a generous life:
Waiting for the return of the Lord, consists in using all the gifts, talents and treasure entrusted to us as God’s servants. To be ready is to be a good stewards of what we have been given, especially in our care for the poor and those who are most in need of our help. By being selfless, we avoid materialism that is becoming attached to possessions or worldly concerns, which often can distract us from the true purpose of seeking God's kingdom.
Our Faith is our Guide:
In the second reading, the letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that faith is an essential power that guides the life of Abraham even in the midst of uncertainties. Faith and obedience to God help us to remain steadfastly focused in our hope for Christ's return. An effective and faithful participation in the Eucharist is the most effective way of getting ready for Christ’s return.
Living the Gospel: What is the Eucharist?
We return this week with the understanding of the Mass. The Mass is not merely a meal which reminds us of the last Supper, but a thanksgiving of praise to God for our salvation in Christ. It is directly our sharing in the paschal mystery (Death and resurrection of Christ). It is the true meal, prepared by Christ himself in order to gather us around him at his own table as friends. At the table Christ gives us himself as true food and true drink. “My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink” (John 6:55). Speaking of the Eucharist, St. John Marie Vianney said: “We should consider those moments spent before the Blessed Sacrament as the happiest of our lives”.
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC