Faithful and Unfaithful Servant – Aug 31 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 31, 2023, on how we do not know the hour of the end of the world of our one death and judgment, so we must have spiritual vigilance and keep forefront in our minds the profound responsibilities as Christians and especially clergy as taught by Christ in today's Gospel and by St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians.

Christ has mentioned that the exact time of the end is unknown to men. While many, like St. Gregory the Great, believed the end was near, God's intention is for us to always be prepared. Regardless of the world's end, each of us will face Christ as judge at the end of our lives. We must be spiritually vigilant, understanding the reality of our journey to heaven.

Christ emphasizes vigilance through a parable, comparing our care for earthly possessions to the greater care we should have for our heavenly reward. [Matthew 24:42-44 - Stay awake, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/24?42]

Saint Peter's inquiry about the parable's audience leads Christ to another parable about the faithful servant. This parable highlights the responsibilities of the clergy, who are entrusted with God's household. [Luke 12:41-48 - The faithful and prudent servant - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?41]

The clergy's role is to provide spiritual nourishment, both through the Eucharist and the Word of God. [1 Timothy 3:15 - The church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/3?15] [Amos 8:11 - A famine for hearing the word of the Lord - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/8?11]

The weight of responsibility is not limited to the clergy. All in positions of authority, from bishops to family heads, are accountable for their actions. St. Paul, aware of his responsibility, was deeply concerned for the Thessalonians' spiritual well-being. [1 Thessalonians 3:8 - We now live if you stand firm in the Lord - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/3?8]

St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians reflects his gratitude for their steadfastness and emphasizes the importance of grace and charity. [1 Corinthians 1:4-9 - God is faithful; by him you were called to fellowship with his Son - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/1?4]

00:00 - Introduction
01:05 - Be ready for Christ's coming as judge
02:08 - Stay spiritually awake
03:13 - Be more vigilant for heaven than earthly goods
03:59 - Clergy will be judged more strictly
05:33 - Authority comes with responsibility
06:02 - St. Paul's concern for the Thessalonians
07:08 - St. Paul prays for increase of love
08:16 - Be blameless at the coming of Christ

Ave Maria!

Mass: Thursday 21st Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/083123.cfm
1st: 1th 3:7-13
Resp: psa 90:3-4, 12-13, 14, 17
Gsp: mat 24:42-51

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1484

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