💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 20 💖

First Reading - Apocalypse 4:1-11

Gospel - Luke 19:11-28

Trust is very important in our relationships. If there is no trust, the relationship can break or become shallow. The readings of the day invite us to reinforce our trust in the Lord.  

In the Gospel, we hear a parable similar to the Parable of the Talents in Matthew. The sense of the parable for Luke must be understood in light of the introductory sentence prior to the parable, which addresses the disciples’ mistaken assumption that the Kingdom of God would come immediately. The parable corrects their expectations and invites them to focus on their present life, a life of trustworthiness. It serves as a part of the instructions for the apostles in their mission of spreading the Good News of the Kingdom’s coming: they must persevere and trust in God, knowing they will be judged and rewarded based on their zeal and efforts, which stem from their trust in the Master, our Lord.  

In the first reading, we see a reflection of trust in the worship given to Jesus, who is enthroned in heaven, as described in John’s vision. Heavenly beings worship and exalt His name. The scene of worship presented in the first reading highlights Jesus as the Lord of heaven and earth, deserving true worship. In the first century, Christians were persecuted for refusing to worship the emperor. The vision defines Jesus as the true King and Lord, instilling hope in Christians facing persecution, so they could confidently endure their trials. It served as a gentle reminder that the true God is not the emperor but Christ, who is enthroned in heaven. Faith and trust in Him should not be lost or compromised by worshiping the emperor.  

My dear friends, trust is not only a virtue but also the foundation of a better life. We sleep at night with the hope and trust that we will have a new day tomorrow. The servant in the parable was punished because he lacked trust in the master and, as a result, did not work. The vision in the first reading encourages believers to recognize Christ as the true God and to maintain faith and trust in Him. How about us? We are also encouraged to place our trust in Christ. We are promised that if we trust in Christ and work diligently, our efforts will bear fruit because He is the Lord of heaven and earth. It is through His wisdom that everything comes to pass.  

May God always strengthen us in our faith.