19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C - Three Pillars For Faith & ‘Out of Darkness’

As we contemplate the scripture readings this weekend, three pillars for faith emerge for us to follow.

Pillar 1 - GROW: If we’re honest with ourselves, we often want God to give us exactly what we ask for in prayer, or to provide immediate comfort in moments of need. But from the beginning, God revealed that the life of faith would entail trusting in His promises even as we wait for their final fulfilment. The example of Abraham in the second reading (Heb. 11:1-19) can be our model. We are called to emulate Abraham’s obedient trust: “…for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.”

Throughout the Scriptures, God promised His people that He would prepare a place for them. This promise propelled the Israelites through famine, exile, and agony, until God brought them to their earthly homeland. Jesus promises a new and everlasting place of rest, where we will live with God forever. We wait in joyful hope that one day he himself will bring us to our heavenly home. Amid the difficulties of life, in seasons of grief, pain, or confusion, it is easy to let doubt creep in. This is when, more than ever, we must grow our faith, which Paul describes as “…the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”

Pillar #2 - GO: Trusting in God, we are called to wait with hope and prepare ourselves to readily receive him with lamps lit when he comes in the night. Today’s Gospel from Luke (Lk. 12:32-48) provides an image for us to imitate: the faithful servant dutifully awaiting his master’s return. What does Jesus say about these servants who keep close watch: always prepared for the moment their master will return. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” The faithful witness of the servants in the Gospel reminds us not to overcomplicate our faith. We simply need to remain diligent in carrying out the work that God has given us to do here and now and to go keep ourselves alert as we wait with patience for the coming of the Lord.

Pillar #3 - PRAY: Our faith strengthens us as we wait for the Lord – as we hold on to the radical belief that our destination is heaven, and our God keeps His promises. Wherever you find yourself on the journey today, cling to His promises! Ask for the grace for deeper trust in Him and for greater faithfulness to the work of building up His kingdom as you pray and wait for God to bring all things to their ultimate fulfillment.

In honor of this weekend’s readings, we would like to share our latest video, "Out of Darkness", a beautiful hymn by Tom Kendzia, suitable for Easter Vigil, Christmas Midnight Mass, or any Sunday where the themes of darkness and light are present in the readings.

The composer describes his song as follows: "Both the Christmas midnight liturgy and the Easter Vigil have imagery of Christ shattering the darkness. Out of Darkness attempts a musical link, allowing us to sing the connection of Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, and our waiting for the end of time."

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.