19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Almighty ever-living God, whom,
taught by the Holy Spirit
we dare to call our Father,
bring, we pray, to perfection in our hearts
the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters.
Today’s readings continue last week’s theme. We are to be ready when the Lord comes.
In the First Reading from the book of Wisdom, the people recall that it was at night that the Exodus to the promised land began. They were watchful and ready when the Lord called them.
These are the qualities the Lord is expecting from his disciples in the Gospel passage we read today. They, too, are ready for action, ready to meet the Lord when he knocks at their door, even in the middle of the night.
The Psalm is a song of confidence in God. It reflects on the concern the Lord has shown for his people over the generations. In trust and hope our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The Second Reading from Hebrews reminds us that faith is essential. It sustained Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Sarah, who all believed in the promises made to them. It is faith which enables them to keep watching and waiting for the coming of the Lord.
In my prayer this week, I may want to consider that every time I attend the Eucharist, I am invited to the Lord’s Supper – and that, like the Master in the Gospel passage, he waits on me with love and compassion.
