August 10: The Day of the Lord / El Día del Señor

The episode which the Church offers us from St. Luke’s Gospel this weekend (ch. 12) is taken from what Scripture scholars call “The Journey to Jerusalem.” Nearly the entire second half of the Gospel is devoted to this Journey – during which Jesus refers frequently to what awaits Him in Jerusalem. He also offers a summary of all that he had been teaching and would continue to teach until the end of His public ministry.

Recounting the whole Journey, St. Luke provides us with the dramatic parables used by Jesus (parables like the Good Samaritan). And, beyond parables, the Gospel tells us of significant conversations that take place, like with Martha and Mary, followed by an “instruction on prayer” ... making all of these far more than simply “nice Bible stories.”

When we think about what is going to happen (soon) in Jerusalem, we can’t not think that these are “the final instructions of Jesus” to those who will remain. These are the lessons left to us by a man (the Son of God) who is walking to His death. These lessons are His "treasure," and they ought to stir us up a bit on an August weekend. Jesus is teaching us, on His Journey to Jerusalem, about caring for each other, praying, and living with courage.

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Further, all of the events which fill the second half of the Gospel leave us with the impression that “the clock is running.” Jesus will soon arrive in the city and the Passion will begin. When He will reach what are literally His final hours, we will find out what is really important to Him. In fact, we will see Him get on the floor and wash His disciples’ feet. How much clearer could He be teaching us about caring for others, serving, and living with courage?

Worth pondering this week: If we knew we had only a few hours to live, what would we do? And how do we know that we don’t have only a few hours to live?

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Es obvio que mucha gente vive hoy con temor: miedo a la enfermedad, miedo a perder sus seres queridos, miedo a la situación migratoria, miedo a la propia muerte, miedo del hoy, miedo del mañana.... Jesús nos trata de tranquilizar: “¡No teman! ¡No pierdan la esperanza! ¡Tengan fe!” 

Incluso cuando atravesamos días difíciles, no habríamos de perder nunca nuestra fe y esperanza; deberíamos estar siempre alertas a la venida amorosa del Señor en medio de nosotros. 

La Misa nos ofrece la oportunidad para vigilar y orar con el Señor. Que Él nos ayude a ser hombres y mujeres que esperen su retorno glorioso, listos para abrir la puerta tan pronto como Él venga y llame, ya que quien llama –  sea amigo conocido o extraño desconocido – representa al Señor mismo en persona.