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Sunday, August 12, 2007

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19th Sunday Ordinary Time


Wisdom 18:6-9
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Psalm 33
Luke 12:32-48

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increasing god's property value

"That servant is fortunate whom his Master finds busy when He returns. Assuredly, his Master will put him in charge of all His property." —Luke 12:43-44

My prayer is that you readers of One Bread, One Body will constantly be "faithful, farsighted" servants of God (Lk 12:42), busy sowing His word in season and out of season (Lk 12:42; 2 Tm 4:2). If you are faithful in doing this, Jesus "will put you in charge of larger affairs" (Mt 25:21). In fact, He promises He will put you "in charge of all His property" (Lk 12:44).

What is God's property? Of what will He put you in charge?

  • Life (Ez 18:4). I would rejoice to see you readers in charge of all governmental decisions on right-to-life matters.
  • Food. Jesus will use you as other Josephs, feeding the starving of the world (Gn 41:57; Jn 21:15; Lk 12:42) and making sure human greed does not deprive anyone of meals.
  • Money (see Hg 2:8). The world has used money to enslave poor nations under impossible debt loads. Jesus came to set captives free through you (Lk 4:18; Is 58:6-7).
  • Power (Mt 28:18, RNAB). "You will receive power" from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Many use power unjustly. Jesus will use your power for justice (Rm 6:13).

If I, a mere human, find joy in visualizing you readers in charge of Jesus' property, consider the greater joy of Jesus in putting you in charge! Therefore, be busy about His work now, be put in charge (Lk 12:42-44), and "share your Master's joy!" (Mt 25:21)

Prayer:  Jesus, "here I am...Send me!" (Is 6:8)

Promise:  "Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him." —Lk 12:40

Praise:  Praise the Risen Jesus in Whom our joy is complete! Alleluia!

Reference:  (This teaching submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 14, 2007

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