19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C
HE SEES YOU
LK 12: 32-48
MESSAGE
An office manager decided to find out what happens when he is away from the office on workdays. One staff member was straightforward in her report. She said one employee leaves early. Another vacates her post and walks around. There is one who holds a mini-party on her desk with guests. Oh yes, people were happy when the boss was not around.
The Lord Jesus describes the same tendency when people know that they are unobserved, unguarded, untended. Some become lax. Others become careless. Others slide into laziness. When servants do not foresee the return of the master, they pretend to be their own master. In the time of Jesus, there was no cctv to capture the action; today, it is easier to view what happens to the mouse when the cat is far away.
We often forget something. We forget that at all times we are being watched; we are being observed; we are being monitored. In all 24 hours of the day, God sees us and hears us. Not as a suspicious, judgmental boss nor as a critical spy does he do these things. In the Ignatian spirituality, we are reminded that God looks at us with love. He watches his children as a father full of care and concern.
The Lord God sees every deliberate action we perform. He hears even a whispered word we say. He knows what plans we conceive silently in our mind. And even, secrets of the heart, these are laid bare before the Lord. Why is this? Because we matter, we are important, we are very close to the heart of God. So in a positive and joyful way, we are being watched, loved, filled with mercy every moment of everyday. Thus, we as the Gospel says, we must be prepared, not just like servants, but like children, awaiting their Father’s return, his visitation.
REFLECT
If you were aware that you are not alone, that you are being watched, not for scrutiny or judgment, but for love, how will you live every second of your day? We have a companion who comes to our aid, to our side, at all times. Will you hold his hand and walk with him?
