Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time C, August 10, 2025

Luke 12:32-48

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081025.cfm

It seems like a long time.

Waiting for something to happen can feel distant sometimes. When I first started in the seminary, ordination seemed a long way off, almost like a dream. But that’s nothing compared to the Chicago Cubs—they waited 108 years to win the World Series! It’s incredible how patience can pay off in the end. 

The earliest disciples thought Jesus would return during their lifetime, and for Chicago Cubs fans, the Church has a record that surpasses yours! In the first century, people felt anxious when Jesus didn’t show up as expected, and some even began to drift away from the Church.

In response, St. Luke graciously encouraged these communities to stay strong and hopeful—reminding them to remain prepared, keep their lamps burning, and hold on to hope.

So, what are we waiting for? What should we do with our time while we wait?

Rev. Bob Moorehead, in his book, Words Aptly Spoken, wrote, “The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.

“We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense … more experts, but less solutions.

“We conquered our outer space, not inner space; we cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. These are days of two incomes, but more divorces; fancier houses, but broken homes.”

It’s time, friends, to challenge the patterns society expects us to follow. Jesus is here to help us safeguard our homes from intruders, reminding us to put Him and our loved ones above material possessions.

Believe that the master of our hearts and our world has already come. He is knocking right now at the door of our hearts. What is taking so long is not for Jesus to come, but for us to give Him a warm and heartfelt welcome into our hearts and homes.

Have you ever wondered if the Lord is waiting for us, too? Yes, He deeply longs for us to surrender everything to Him. Sometimes, we ask for so little when He wants to give us so much that money can’t buy, and even the biggest mansion wouldn’t be enough to hold it all.

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at the table, and proceed to wait on them.” 

The Gospel Challenge:
Take a moment with Jesus each day while thinking about the people in your life. I’ve found that when I make space for Jesus every day, He never fails to provide what others need through me in wonderful ways.

Lord God, forgive me for the times I get so busy that I forget to spend time with You so that I can be genuinely present and helpful to others.

We wait for the Lord every day so He can wait on us and through us. 

Peace everyone.

 Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com