A Few Words On "The Word"

August 12, 2007
The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Luke 12:32-48

Keeping the Faith!

A few years ago something really monumental happened in the world of baseball - the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. If you're not really into baseball you're probably wondering what the big deal is, right? Well, what made the Red Sox's triumph so incredible was the fact that they had not won a World Series since 1918, a drought of more than 85 years!

Amazingly enough, despite their long losing streak the Red Sox still managed to maintain a lot of fans. Another baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, have lots of fans as well even though they haven't won a World Series since 1908. If you're anything like me, you might ask yourself why anyone would stay a fan of a team with such a bad record. Why would someone want to suffer through bad seasons when they know their team probably won't win it all?

Though it might seem a little odd, this week's gospel reading can help us answer this difficult question. Jesus is exhorting his disciples to stay faithful. By talking about servants who work hard and eagerly await their master's return, Jesus shows us that being faithful definitely pays off. He also points out that knowing what God wants and failing to work toward that goal will incur dire penalties.

There are many things that make it hard for us to continue working to build God's kingdom, even when we know it's the right thing to do. For example, last week we learned that greed can destroy our relationship with God by making us self-centered. This week we realize that greed is one thing that can keep us from being ready for Christ's return.

We grow tired of working for justice, especially when it seems like a peaceful reality is so far away. However, Jesus warns us about becoming tired and complacent. Since we have no idea when Jesus will return we must continuously be watching and ready despite the many challenges we face.

So, back to our question about those crazy baseball fans. The truth is that even though their teams might lose year after year, it's the promise of tomorrow that keeps them coming back. Next season might bring an end to their years of waiting. In essence, they keep the faith even though they don't know when their team will win a title, if they even win one at all.

It's the same with us and our faithful work for justice. We cannot become distracted or discouraged. We must continue to have faith that Jesus will return and bring peace with him. Don't get caught unprepared! Keep the faith, hoping and trusting that Jesus will fulfill his promises, knowing that victory will be ours!

Reflection Question

In what ways do you overcome the daily realities that challenge your faith and make it harder to work for justice?

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