Homily （August 10, 2025）
Scripture Readings： Book of Wisdom 18:6-9; Letter to the Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-1;
Gospel of Luke 12:32-48
Today’s Gospel reading contains a parable about the Kingdom of God. Then Peter asks a question: “Lord, is this parable meant for us or everyone?” Jesus answers with another question: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants?”
We have the impression that Jesus is telling a parable that is meant especially for those who have a role in His church. Can you answer the question of who the Scripture reading is for? Sometimes we hear the readings of God’s Word and they just go right through us, as if they were not meant for us, in particular. That is a problem with a lot of things that we hear or read. They seem like some vague words that are not meant for us, or at least that we are not particularly interested in them.
Think of the many announcements on the trains or all the advertisements on television or signs. We have a different reaction when we know that there is a message just for us: a letter from a friend, a phone call from a family member, and so on.
The various Scriptures have general audiences and particular audiences. Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds the Israelites of who they are. The second reading from the Book of Hebrews is for all those who believe God as Abraham did. And then today’s Gospel is for the immediate disciples of Jesus, as well as for us, his disciples now.
What does Jesus call us? Do we realize what he calls us? As I was preparing the homily for today, I noticed that Jesus used the word “servant” ten times in today’s Gospel reading. Jesus also used the phrase “faithful and prudent steward.” Jesus is saying to us in the Church: be my faithful servant, be my prudent steward.
Have you noticed that Saint Paul at the beginning of his letters calls himself an “apostle of Jesus Christ.” In two of those letters—those to the Romans and to the Philippians—he also identifies himself as a “servant” of Christ Jesus. Jesus says of himself: “For the Son of May did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). What an honor it was for Paul to call himself Christ’s servant! What an honor it is for us to be the blessed servants of today’s Gospel! We should not, we cannot allow that word “servant” to just go in one ear and pass right out the other. Indeed, Jesus blesses us with this title of servant as we enjoy our role in the Church, whatever it may be, as we relish the name of “Christian.”
Let this be where our hearts are; let this be our eternal treasure. (Luke 12:34)
Gospel of Luke 12:32-48 By David Wessels, S.J.