💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 28 💖

First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 

Gospel - Matthew 24:42-51

Life is often compared to a journey, and on every journey there is both movement and waiting. But what kind of waiting fills our hearts? Today’s readings remind us that the Christian life is not a passive waiting but an active, loving vigilance rooted in hope.

In the first reading, Paul’s heart overflows with joy as he speaks of the Thessalonians’ steadfastness in faith despite trials. He longs for them to grow in love, to be strengthened in holiness, and to be blameless before God at the coming of Christ. For Paul, the expectation of the Lord’s return is not a burden but a source of encouragement—it is what gives meaning to perseverance, love, and daily faithfulness.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a striking reminder: “Stay awake, for you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” He contrasts the faithful servant, who remains diligent even when the master is delayed, with the careless servant who squanders time in selfishness and abuse. The message is clear—true readiness for Christ’s coming is found in faithful living today.

Dear friends, the readings call us to a spirituality of watchfulness. Waiting for the Lord is not about fear of judgment but about love that motivates vigilance. When our hearts are anchored in love for God and others, we are not caught off guard. We are found ready—living each day as a gift, serving faithfully, and persevering in hope.

Let us, then, not waste our time on things that do not last. Instead, let us allow our love to increase, our faith to be strengthened, and our actions to reflect the hope that Christ is indeed coming. If we live this way, whenever He comes—today, tomorrow, or at the end of time—He will find us faithful, joyful, and ready to enter His kingdom.