Sunday, August 4, 2019

Woo-hoo!! Our annual Fall Festivals are fast approaching. Plans and preparations are quickly advancing to make them fantastic ones! Thanks to our indefatigable committee members. I believe you are planning and preparing yourself to be part of these celebrations. I will be there, too. Let’s meet to celebrate our festival in grand style. ”How good, how delightful it is to live as brothers and sisters all together!” (Ps 133:1)

Once again, St. Augustine of Hippo stated, ”at the time of creation God created us without our concern but at the time of salvation God will demand our consent.”

Life presents options in the midst of challenges and situations beyond our control. Our choices display the intent of the use of our free will. But as Christians, trusting faith in God’s promises is a necessity in dealing with circumstances that confront us. Hence, fidelity in doing God’s will is indispensable in sustaining our hopes in life. After all, we must be vigilant in preparing ourselves for the eternal reward awaiting us. Salvation is the goal of our vocation: but our willful fidelity to God will facilitate the realization of this goal. 

The author of our first reading recounts to us how the ancient Hebrew slaves kept on hoping against hope that God was going to change their story by delivering and liberating them from the hands of the wicked Egyptians. Indeed, the Lord showed His mighty power to save His chosen ones from their cruel enemies. Nonetheless, this came about because they had ”sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith.” 

Beloved one's in Christ, their expectant hope encouraged them to obediently submit to doing the will of the Lord but not their personal will. No matter what the uncertainty of life presents to us, and regardless of the options offered us, let's not relegate the will of God in our lives. We are chosen people of faith; the display of our trusting faith in God irrespective of our life story will bolster our hopes. With God there is nothing impossible, nothing too late, nothing hopeless... Your faith will change your life story! That's why the Psalmist exhorts, ”May your kindness be upon us who have put our hopes in you.” (Ps 33:22)

Again, the author of our second reading deepens the dynamics of faith and it's significance in our Christian life by using Abraham as model in faith. He totally relied upon and depended on God with no iota of doubt. For his committed fidelity and devoted hopes,the Lord rewarded him. ”Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1) This is what the Saints did; it's your turn!

Jesus Christ, in the gospel reading, paradoxically presents to us His eschatological (end time) teachings with particular emphasis on His parousia (second coming). Death is a constant reality among the last things on earth. His second coming and the death of man remains a mystery. So we must be consciously watchful and be vigilantly prepared. Living our theological virtue of faith is a conditio sine qua non (essential action). 

Sisters and Brothers, life comes with adventures and challenges but our attempt to embrace it or walk away from it should go with trusting faith and hopes in the Lord. Jesus will surely come again, man will surely die: therefore live your life not according to your personal will but by the will of God. God does not deceive us with His promises. Have faith in Him, believe in Him, hope in Him...your reward awaits you! May God strengthen our Faith. Amen.

Hope to see you in church. Thanks. 

Fr. Emmanuel.

Readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time