💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 23 💖

First Reading - Ephesians 3:2-12

Gospel - Luke 12:39-48

St. Teresa of Kolkata once said, "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." Our faithfulness, particularly in the small and often unnoticed moments of life, serves as the foundation of our strength and readiness to meet the Lord. Today's readings call us to cultivate this virtue of faithfulness, to be prepared and responsible as we live our Christian lives.

In the first reading, Paul speaks about the universal gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that all of humanity shares in God's grace through faith in Jesus. Paul marvels at the wisdom of God, which is revealed through the Paschal Mystery, and acknowledges the great responsibility entrusted to him: to preach this good news to the Gentiles and guide them in receiving this grace through faith. Paul’s enthusiasm for this mission is a model for us, showing the importance of being faithful to the responsibilities God entrusts to each of us.

The Gospel passage emphasizes the necessity of being vigilant and prepared for the Lord's coming. Jesus uses the image of a thief in the night to illustrate the unexpected nature of His return, calling His disciples to constant readiness. Additionally, Jesus speaks of a responsible steward whose duty is to care for his master's household. The faithful steward, found diligently performing his duties, is rewarded, while the unfaithful one, who neglects his responsibilities, is punished.

Jesus makes it clear that preparedness is not just about waiting passively but living out our responsibilities with integrity and faithfulness. He highlights that the true measure of a disciple is not just in being ready for the Lord’s return, but in being faithful in fulfilling the tasks entrusted to them. This responsibility extends to all aspects of our lives: our work, our relationships, and even the small, everyday tasks we might overlook.

Dear friends, responsibility is a crucial quality we need in everything we do. It is through this sense of responsibility that we demonstrate our faithfulness to our tasks, our loved ones, and ultimately, to God. Paul's passion for preaching the Gospel reminds us to approach our responsibilities with the same enthusiasm. Jesus, in the Gospel, shows us that there is no room for complacency or laziness in our lives as Christians. God calls us to be faithful in all things, big and small.

Faithfulness in our Christian life is built upon our faithfulness to the responsibilities we have been given—whether it is our duty to our families, our work, or the way we care for those around us. By living faithfully in the little things, we build a life of integrity and responsibility, preparing ourselves for the day when the Lord comes again. 

Let us pray that God grants us the grace to be faithful in every aspect of our lives, so that we may be ready to meet Him with hearts full of love, service, and faithfulness. May we, like the faithful servant, always be found doing the work He has entrusted to us.