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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Aug. 12, 2007
By Dan Luby
Catholic News Service
August 12, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Cycle C. Readings:
1) Wisdom 18:6-9
Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22
2) Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
3) Gospel: Luke 12:32-48
The house is full of talk and laughter and the cheerful clink of glasses and cutlery on china. The Lazy Susan turns, delivering cheese, salsa, grilled peppers and sour cream, as fajitas are built and memories swapped and expectations shared.
Our son and three close friends, freshly minted college grads, have joined us for one last, fond supper before they head out to new places, new careers and new adventures.
As we question them about their plans, as they share the information tinged with anxiety and great excitement, I recognize the power of hope.
None of them really knows for sure what lies ahead. Will the classroom be a scene of triumph or boredom? Will flight school prove the fulfillment of a lifelong dream or just be scary? Will the Manhattan internship be an adventure or an ordeal? Will the volunteer service in Vermont turn out to be an idyllic time or just an idle time?
The real possibility of failure is not far from their imaginings, but, over and over, hope trumps fear. Partly from inexperience, but more out of a decision for trust, they all are launching themselves into new lives beyond the horizons of what they know for sure into what they hope will be bright and fulfilling futures.
Sunday's second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews recalls how our ancestors in faith journeyed from the comfort and familiarity of their everyday worlds into the uncertainty and even danger of the unknown. They walked in faith, confident not so much in their own abilities but in the One who was calling them to move to the edge and beyond.
Following Jesus is risky business. If we are paying attention, we ought to recognize the dangers to which discipleship invites us. The good news is the fidelity and love of the One we follow.
QUESTIONS:
What's one time when you moved beyond your familiar horizons and found God present in the midst of uncertainty? Where might God be calling you to move in the future?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see. Because of faith, the men of old were approved by God" (Heb 11:1-2).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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