Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

August 10, 2025

Luke 12: 32-48

Do you know what the Boy Scout Motto is? I remember it well: Be Prepared! As a Scout I used to try to keep this in mind whenever I had something to do or someplace to go, whether important or insignificant. With varying degrees of success, I still try to keep this motto in mind.

“Be Prepared” could be the motto or summary we gain from today’s gospel. As disciples of Jesus, this motto is a command, and it is a priority for us. We can be sure that we are fulfilling God’s will if we keep ourselves prepared. But what does this mean? And how can we fulfill it? Jesus tells us a story to show us what he means by the command: “Be Prepared.” Being prepared means that we have such a relationship with the Father and master, that when he is absent, we are vigilant for his return. Vigilant, or on the watch with expectation. When a loved one is absent from home, we long for that person’s return. We know exactly when he or she is due back and we make preparations for the homecoming. Life is not the same while our loved one is gone. Something -- someone dear to our hearts -- is missing.

It is the same with God. While we are on earth, we experience the Father’s absence. But in this case, we never know when he will manifest is presence to us. To be prepared for his coming means to long for it. We live in such a way that we may be able to welcome him at any moment the one we long for, the one who is missing from our lives. 

There is a story told about a young man and an old preacher. The young man had lost his job and didn’t know which way to turn. So, he went to see the old preacher. Pacing about the preacher’s study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally, he clenched his fist and shouted, “I’ve begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn’t God answer?” The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply – something so hushed, it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. “What did you say?” he asked. The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So, the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher’s chair. “Sorry,” he said. “I still didn’t hear you.” With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. “God sometimes whispers,” he said, “so that we will move closer to hear Him.” This time the young man heard, and he understood. We all want God’s voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem. But God’s is the still, small voice… the gentle whisper. Perhaps there’s a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God’s whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. Then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God. Today’s Scripture readings speak of God’s kindness and His saving presence amid trials and afflictions. 

Jesus assures us that we have no reason to fear the Father: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you his kingdom.” His story tells us that when the Father finds us waiting, He will serve us. Imagine that: He will serve us!

It is true that we do not know when the Father will come for us at the end of our lives. But he comes into our lives many times before that particular moment. He comes in the family member who needs his consolation; he comes in the person in need of food, shelter, or clothing; he comes when a stranger asks our help in time of disaster. Indeed, it is in these moments as well as our moments in prayer, that our Father comes to us. This is how we remain prepared: Conversation with him in prayer, readiness to help the brother or sister in need any time we find them crossing our daily path. This is how we remain prepared.

Fr. John Tran