HOMILY OF 21ST THURSDAY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: LIFE OF ST AUGUSTINE
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
1 Thess 3:7-13, Ps. 90:3-4,12-14,17, Matt 24:42-51
Introduction
Today’s liturgical readings and the life of Saint Augustine all point to one key idea: being ready for God. This isn’t about being afraid of the end of the world, but about living each day with purpose and love.
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The Call to Be Ready
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story about a master who comes home unexpectedly. The servant who is found working is rewarded, while the one who got lazy is punished. Jesus’s message is simple: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
This isn’t just about the future.
It’s about being ready for God in our lives right now. It means being faithful in the small things: praying, helping others, and doing our best. When we get lazy in our faith, we’re like the servant who wasn’t prepared.
The Power of Love
Saint Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians shows us what a ready heart looks like. He tells them how their faith gives him strength, even in his own troubles. He prays that their love for each other will “increase and abound.”
This is the kind of love that God wants from us. It’s not just a feeling, but an active concern for others. It’s a love that makes us pray for others, celebrate their victories, and support them in their struggles. It’s a love that prepares us to welcome God, because God is love.
Saint Augustine’s Example
Today we also remember Saint Augustine of Hippo, who shows us both of these lessons. Before he became a saint, he was like the unprepared servant, living for himself. But after his powerful conversion, he became a tireless servant of God. He learned that true happiness comes from God alone. His famous words, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord,” remind us that we find peace not in laziness, but in living a life dedicated to God.
Conclusion
Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living in a way that shows I’m ready for God? Do I love others with an active love, just as Paul did? Let’s pray for the grace to live like Saint Augustine—with a heart that is always ready for God, filled with love and purpose.
Saint Augustine, Pray for Us.
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