"Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own." Psalm 33
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
In this day and age when we can look up just about anything online and determine what is true and what is real, it’s tough to have to rely on faith. But this is what God has asked us to do for thousands of years. One day our time on earth will come to an end—or the world itself will come to an end—and no internet source knows when that will be. We should be prepared at all times, just in case. Let us pray that when we gather together each week to worship God with our community of faith, our own faith is strengthened so that we can face our future with hope and resolve.
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Today’s selections from scripture celebrate our forebears for their faith. Abraham’s faith was so strong that he was willing to sacrifice his be loved son. Centuries later, the Chosen People have faith sufficient to courageously make their escape from bondage. Jesus asks his disciples to have faith in his return, for which they should always be prepared. May today’s readings remind us to ask ourselves what we need to do to prepare ourselves for that day.
Reflections
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable to teach the disciples that they must prepare themselves as they wait for the Son of Man’s second coming. It is instructive to note that Jesus’ story involves servants. Generally, servants wait on their master. In this parable, the master is so delighted with those servants who have remained vigilant that he waits upon them. It is a role reversal especially stunning in that day and age. One can imagine God so pleased with the way that we prepare for the coming of the kingdom that we are generously showered with God’s mercy and grace. After all, isn’t this exactly what we are offered through the sacrifice of God’s Son?
Luke uses the Greek word doulos for servant in this passage. In his time, this was the word used for those who served the Christian community. Those who honorably and selflessly serve the Christian community, then and now, are re warded with an inexhaustible treasure in heaven. Moreover, those who serve the Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters are also God’s faithful servants, for as he also taught his disciples, what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do for him. Indeed, as we wait for the Lord’s return at the end of time, we are called on to wait on the Lord in the person in need.
In Jesus’ parable, a prudent and faithful steward guides the servants. As we are entrusted with our faith in baptism, we can be called stewards of our faith. Remember, Jesus wraps up his explanation of this parable by telling his disciples that “much will be required of the person entrusted with much” (Luke 12:48). We have been entrusted with a great gift in being entrusted with our faith. We are called to be faithful stewards of the Catholic faith. Like the stewards of a different parable who were entrusted with talents that they could develop and build up instead of burying them in the ground while the master was away, we work to deepen and increase our faith, not bury it or keep it to ourselves, as we await the Lord’s coming. Question of the Week What can I do to build and deepen my faith? Whom can I wait on while I wait for the Lord’s return?
from Pastoral Patterns
readings of the mass
LISTEN HEREto the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, August 10, 2025
SELECT HEREfor the Readings of Sunday, August 10, 2025
Offerings
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