19th Sunday, C 2007.
The first reading belongs
in the context of the Passover night in
That was a night of bereavement for the Egyptians
because of the death of all the firstborn
and a night of deliverance for the Israelites because
they were allowed to leave the life of servitude and bondage.
The second reading
emphasises the importance of faith in God and his promises.
Abraham was told
that his descendant would become a great nation
and he believed it but he never saw it come through.
Even his first child was born in his old age.
If we believe in the many promises made by Jesus,
we too look to the future with confidence.
The opening words of today’s Gospel are:
‘there is no need
to be afraid, little flock,
for it has pleased
your Father to give you the kingdom.’
Our future is secure;
our Father in heaven has given us the kingdom.
Jesus advises us to lighten our rucksack for our journey.
We all know the urge to keep good and useful things
even when we don’t need them for it’s a shame to give
it away, it may come in handy one day.
I have few possessions by normal standards
yet I constantly feel the need to give things away,
to travel lighter. Jesus calls it being ‘dressed for action’.
In addition, it is not just possessions
that can get in the way of quick and effective action
but attitudes too. If we feel precious and fragile,
if we are easily bruised in human contact, Jesus cannot
send us into situations where opposition and conflict may arise.
Another thing that gets in the way of quick action for
God is
a commitment to rules and regulations
other than the RULE OF LOVE.
We all know the feeling of wanting to be of help or service
but cannot because we do not feel free to do so.
We are committed in other directions.
Jesus said that he wanted stewards who are ready for action
on his behalf, people who are committed only to him and to the people he loves.
We can ask ourselves today,
where is my treasure, where is my heart?