Faith is the realization of what is hoped for
and evidence of things not seen.
The a-ha moment, when the light comes on and we have a sudden understanding of something we’ve struggled with.
Our first reading, taken from the Book of Wisdom, recounts the benefits derived from being faithful. This was faith as perceived by the old Israel —“ salvation for faithful Israel and destruction for their faithless enemies.
This is an ancient faith, and a simple faith. We have faith, those without faith are destroyed, all is good.
The psalmist seems very confident in this promise when he sings:
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Our second reading, from the Letter to the Hebrews, recounts Israel’s history, but in light of the faith necessary to grasp the Gospel.
Abraham was a stranger in a strange land. He lived in tents. He had no promise regarding the destruction of his enemies, only a promise that an old man and a sterile wife would have descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky, the sands of the seashore.
The writer tells us:
…for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
Brothers and Sisters,
If Jesus were among us today in human form He would very well tell us to divest of our stocks and bonds, sell our houses, give the proceeds away, and focus on the only asset worth having —“ faith in God.
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
Jesus then talks about the servants who are prepared. Peter questions Him:
—Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?—
To which Jesus replies:
—Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward?—
The prudent servant is the servant who lives by faith, faith like Abraham had, in that trustworthy promise.
The key is, the Lord’s words are meant for everyone. Everyone is invited to partake, to be a prudent servant.
My friends,
We are all unsure of our eternal place. What will happen to me?
In our hearts we long for eternal life with God.
Consider the song —Knocking of Heaven’s Door.— Personally, I like the Polish translation of the song, because the words are particularly directed toward God. Here’s a rough translation:
I stand in the corner, near Your gates.
Please Lord, open them for me.
Let me in today, although I am far away.
I am waiting for your pity
I pound on your gates O Lord.
Do not let it be Your will that I stand outside.
We desire heaven —“ God’s love, a love that is all consuming, the complete love of the Father for His children. That love is a love that fills us so completely that no word could possibly describe it.
The desire for that eternal love lives in everyone’s heart.
It lives in the heart of the faithful, prepared servant;
The heart of the abusive servant;
The heart of the unprepared servant; and
In the heart of the servant who is ignorant of his Master’s will.
Jesus’ expectation is the same and His standard is the only one that counts. It is against His standard that all servants will be judged.
So, my friends, we have a choice.
We cannot claim ignorance of our Master’s will —“ that excuse won’t help us.
That leaves us with the choice of being abusive, unprepared, or prepared.
Brothers and sisters,
The desire for God’s love lives in our hearts.
If we acknowledge that desire, we will knock, He will open.
Be prepared by doing His will now and always.
…and what is His will:
Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,
an inexhaustible treasure in heaven
that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Simply, be prepared, put your faith in His promise, a trustworthy promise. Listen, and live the Gospel message. It is the gold standard against which each of our actions will be judged.