Homily - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme: Faithful and Ready: Living as Pilgrims of Hope



Introduction

There’s an old story of a parish priest who once visited a farmer and found him in the middle of painting his barn. The priest asked, “Why paint it now? The rain is coming.”
The farmer smiled and said, “Because if I wait for perfect weather, I’ll never finish anything.”
Sometimes in life—and in faith—we wait for the perfect moment to pray, forgive, serve, or love. But Jesus reminds us that the perfect time to be ready is now—because the Master can come at any hour.

The Word of God

1️⃣ Wisdom 18:6–9
The author recalls the night of the Passover in Egypt—God’s saving action that freed His people. The faithful trusted in His promise and acted as He instructed, even though the future was uncertain. This shows that readiness is not passive—it is an act of trust in God’s Word.

2️⃣ Psalm 33
The psalmist declares that those who hope in the Lord are truly blessed. God watches over them, delivers them, and fills them with steadfast love. Here we see the connection between hope and faithful living—we don’t just “wait” for God, we wait with confidence.

3️⃣ Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19 (or 8–12)
This is the famous “faith chapter.” Faith is described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Abraham becomes the example: he obeyed God without knowing the full picture. Readiness here means trusting God’s promises enough to step out of our comfort zones.

4️⃣ Matthew 24:42a, 44 & Luke 12:32–48
Jesus says, “You must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” In Luke, He calls His disciples a “little flock” and reassures them not to be afraid. Readiness is shown in faithful service, wise stewardship, and living as if Christ could knock on the door today.

Connection of the Readings

All the readings circle around one theme: active, hope-filled readiness.

  • Wisdom shows God’s faithfulness in the past.

  • The Psalm assures us that God still watches over us.

  • Hebrews calls us to live in faith even when we cannot see the end.

  • The Gospels challenge us to be watchful and responsible.

Faith in action is not fearful waiting—it is joyful, responsible living.

Reflection Questions

  1. If Jesus were to return today, what in my life would I rejoice in presenting to Him?

  2. What “unfinished spiritual business” am I postponing for the perfect time?

  3. How can my faith community be more ready—not just for Sunday Mass—but for living the Gospel daily?

Implications for Daily Living in Light of the Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality

  • Jubilee Year: This is a time of renewal, mercy, and liberation. Being “ready” means embracing reconciliation, justice, and care for the poor now, not later.

  • Synod on Synodality: Readiness also means listening to each other and walking together. We cannot be ready for Christ if we are divided among ourselves.

  • This week, act as a Pilgrim of Hope—bring peace into one conversation, help one struggling person, and pray for one person you have not prayed for in a long time.

Inspiration / Motivation

You don’t prepare for a marathon the day before—it’s the small daily runs that make you ready. So too in faith: readiness is built in the daily “yes” to God—in prayer, kindness, justice, and love.

Quote

"Be ready to leave behind what is comfortable, for the Lord calls us to journey towards the promise, trusting that He walks ahead of us."

— From Pope Francis’ message for the Jubilee Year of Hope

Final Thoughts

The Lord calls us not to predict His coming but to prepare for it—by living faithfully, loving generously, and serving joyfully.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You call us to be ready, not with fear, but with love-filled hearts.
Help us to trust Your promises as Abraham did,
to hope in You as the psalmist sang,
and to serve faithfully as wise stewards in Your household.
May this Jubilee Year renew our hearts,
and may the Synod inspire us to walk together as a Church of listening, love, and mission.
Come, Lord Jesus—find us ready and faithful.
Amen.

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