Reading I: Wisdom 18:6-9
Responsorial Psalm 33:1,12,18-19,20-22
Reading II: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19 or 1-2,8-12
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48 or 35-40
Theme:
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (Gospel).
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his sleep and not screaming like the passengers in his car. How do we prepare to die? A death in the family or someone close to us can be very traumatic and can be a wake up call. Although difficult, an illness that is lingering forces one to deal with death. Steve Jobs who created Apple Company and died not too long ago said, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
In short, the reality of death removes pretensions and teaches us to face the truth of the moment and grace of God we call life. Jesus instructs us to be ready and awake. He says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”
It means that at anytime we can be called to be with him. Life is fleeting. The only way we can hold on to the richness of life is to live the faith and trust in God. Like Abraham, our father of faith trusted God plans and everything went well in the end. Because he believed, God’s plans were fulfilled through him. St. Paul says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). For those who believe, death is not the end, but a beginning. Enjoy the moment, love much, be grateful, be not afraid, and trust God. Let us pray: Almighty God, grant me peace of heart. Teach me to obey your will and understand your plans. Let me persevere in faith and love through Christ your Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.