Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
For anyone involved in Scouting, you know that one of its core principles is “Be Prepared.” What this means very practically is to be prepared for whatever circumstances you might come upon. Practice of this principle means carrying a first aid kit, a flash light, a lighter or matches, water and a compass, especially when hiking or camping. Today’s readings speak of what being prepared can mean for one’s faith.
Paul’s mission was to bring the gospel to the gentiles so that they would be prepared for the Reign of God. He did this by encouraging the people to have confidence and speak with boldness of their faith in Christ Jesus. We hear a similar message echoed in the responsorial psalm. Be confident and unafraid and draw strength in the Lord. This confidence and trust will empower the disciple to shout with exultation the glories of the Lord.
The gospel further echoes the need to remain steadfast in trust of the Lord and to be prepared for whatever the Lord might ask. Here, we are also given the contrast of what happens to those servants who fail to remain vigilant. It is by placing ourselves within this gospel that we might find our own need for conversion. A need surfaced by recognizing our own lack of preparedness. Perhaps it makes us aware of the times when we make our own drive to seek pleasure more important than God’s will for us.
"Lord, help us to be more aware of our drive as individual’s to place our needs first. Give us a heart more like St. Paul’s, so that with confidence and trust we might be ever faithful and prepared servants, who boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord."
- - Michael Montgomery