Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Luke 12:32-48

Readiness

The following words from the gospel provide the setting of Sunday’s message from scripture. ”Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.”

The gospel reading teaches us about faith, readiness, and trust in God. Jesus warns his disciples to be ready for his return at any time. We are encouraged to stay faithful, to prepare for what is to come, and to rely on God’s promises. He emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and responsibility, especially for those entrusted with much. 

The opening words of the gospel challenge us as follower of Jesus:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. “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. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.  

We must be like those servants waiting for the master to come. We must be ready because we don’t know when God will end our earthly life and have us fully enter the kingdom of God. 

Periodically it is a good idea to ask ourselves what is truly important in our lives. “Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.  For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” What is your treasure?

Jesus reminds us that material possessions are not what is important. ”For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Hopefully, your treasure will be about your relationships with God and your loved ones. It will be about your concern and actions toward others in need. It will be about values and beliefs lived as well as possible. Those will not wear out or be stolen. Those are the kind of things that should be treasured in your heart. Whatever time you have left of your earthly life, may it be used well. May you be ready when God calls you to your heavenly home.

What do you consider to be your “treasures”?

In what ways are you trying to be ready for the day you meet God face to face?