Homily: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Be Alert. Be Ready”
by Fr. William Holtzinger
Nov. 13, 2005
The Scripture readings today are rather
scary, no? Think about it. The Psalm even tells us that we are
blessed if we fear the Lord. The book of Proverbs is telling us that we
are to look at the woman who fears the Lord as someone whom we should
praise. Who here would like to be surprised by the Second Coming of
Christ? Not me! Well, actually, the readings are not intended to send
us all into a panic. Rather, they are a reminder that this world is
coming to an end sometime, and we need to be ready now. So, that makes
us ask, how can be get ready?
The Gospel gives us a parable which
illustrates how. Each person was trusted with an amount of money. Some
invested it while one did not. Each person did a different thing given
their abilities. Yet, one held on to the money and buried it in fear.
This is the wrong kind of fear. We are to have awe for the Lord.
However, if we do do nothing with the gifts we have been given, then
there are real reasons to fear. But, Jesus wants us to pay attention to
the other servants who invested their money.
Do you invest time, talent, and treasure
in your faith life? And do you invest in the lives of those around
you? You see, these are the two greatest commandments. Love God and
love your neighbor. That is how you get ready for the coming of
Christ. Spend your energies with things that will build up a treasure
in heaven, not on earth. Be a good steward with the gifts God has given
each of you. Use those gifts. Grow those gifts. Share those gifts.
Then you will be ready, sober and alert. Jesus is coming. Get busy.