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First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9
The author is contrasting the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians and the salvation of the children of Israel. He has shown earlier that God balances all things in His justice. Thus, what was done unjustly becomes the very means by which the unjust are punished. This is a theme of wisdom literature, which runs throughout the book. Evil becomes a boomerang!
The reference to the secret sacrifice is unknown. It could be a lost traditional story that was associated with the event of the Exodus. It may also refer to the private celebration of the Passover celebration in the homes of the Israelites. It foreshadowed the “divine institution,” which was remembered and practiced in later times by the people.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19 (short version: Hebrews 11:1-2,8-12)
The chapter begins with a definition or description of faith. It is demonstrated in the lives of the people, whom he lists in the following verses. The purpose of it is to strengthen the resolve of the members of the Church, who are experiencing persecution. God’s promises could be trusted even under the worst conditions, because they always worked out for the best in the past. These biblical witnesses provide evidence to underlie the faith of those who hear this message of the author.
Abraham and the other patriarchs, who founded the people of God, are described as living through a temporary situation: “dwelling in tents.” There was something greater, which would come through God, who was “the architect and maker.” These two words were used to describe the Creator of the world in both Jewish and Greek writings.
God provided for the two parts of the covenant to Abraham — a place and progeny. All believers were “strangers and aliens on earth,” because “a better homeland” was given by God. The example of Isaac foreshadowed the destiny of all believers, who would be saved by God. There may be a reference to a Jewish tradition at the end of this narrative. There was a story that Isaac was sacrificed by Abraham, and that God restored Isaac to life again.
Gospel: Luke 12:32-48 (short version: Luke 12:35-40)
Jesus provides instruction for His disciples. They are to learn to trust in God the Father to provide for their needs. But they are also to be vigilant and prepared. Trusting in God does not eliminate their responsibility.
Jesus tells His disciples a parable. It is about the final judgment. He urges them to be prepared. Fidelity in their service to the master of the house is critical, even when the master appears to be absent.
The disciples take the place of the master of the house in the second part of the parable, which begins, “If the master of the house had known the hour. . .” Preparations and readiness cannot be delayed. The title, Son of Man, is used in the Book of Daniel (7:13-14) to describe the deliverer of the people of God. There is also a lesson about a proportionate responsibility — “the servant who knew his master’s will” and “the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will.” Punishment was mitigated for the one who had less responsibility.
When I was a child, my family often visited our relatives in Buffalo for the holidays. One Christmastime, the snow came down very heavy as we were traveling across southern Ontario. Our car burned out a generator, and we were lucky to find someone to fix it. But it made our arrival at my uncle and aunt’s house very late! Nonetheless, when we arrived in the middle of the night, the light was still on in the kitchen. My aunt had coffee and some pastry ready for us, just as she always did. She and my uncle had kept a vigil for our arrival. We felt welcomed and relaxed after a very unnerving trip through snow-covered and slippery roads. In those days, there were no cell phones to tell of our setbacks in the journey. But we knew that we would be welcomed, no matter what time we arrived!
When we know that we have a place ready for us among those who care for us, the journey, no matter how long or hazardous, is just a passage to something far better.
Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.
