Gospel 

Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples:  “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus emphasizes the importance of preparedness and faithful stewardship, warning His disciples of the unexpected nature of His return.

Key Principles:

1. Vigilance and Preparedness (vv. 39-40)

- Awareness of the unexpected nature of Jesus' return

- Constant readiness

1. Faithful Stewardship (vv. 41-44)

- Responsible management of resources

- Blessed for faithfulness

1. Accountability and Consequences (vv. 45-48)

- Severe punishment for neglect and disobedience

- Greater expectations for those entrusted with more

Implications for Us:

- Cultivate faithful stewardship in all areas of life

- Recognize the unexpected nature of Jesus' return

- Live with accountability and responsibility

- Understand the consequences of disobedience

Conclusion:

May we be faithful stewards.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you prioritize faithful stewardship?

2. What areas of your life require greater accountability?

3. How do you prepare for Jesus' return?

Action Steps:

- Evaluate stewardship in finances, time, and talents

- Establish accountability with fellow believers

- Study biblical teachings on stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 4:2)

- Seek guidance on responsible living.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, make us faithful stewards of Your resources. May we be prepared for Jesus' return, living with vigilance and accountability.

We pray for:

Wisdom in managing finances, time, and talents

Faithfulness in serving You and others

Awareness of Jesus' unexpected return

Strength to overcome disobedience and neglect

Guidance in responsible living

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ,

We come before You, seeking to cultivate faithfulness in our lives. Help us to be steadfast in our commitment to You, to stand firm in our faith, and

To remain loyal to Your teachings. May our words and actions reflect Your love and truth, May our hearts be pure and our motives sincere, And may our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness.

Keep us faithful, Lord, unto death,

And grant us the crown of life. Amen.

Prayer points:

Pray for strength to persevere through trials.

Ask for wisdom to discern God's will.

Seek guidance on living a life of integrity.

Request protection from temptation and doubt.

Reflect on biblical examples of faithfulness (Abraham, Joseph, Ruth).

May this prayer guide you in your journey towards faithfulness.

Additional prayer points:

Pray for a heart of stewardship.

Ask for forgiveness for neglect or disobedience.

Seek wisdom in resource management.

Request accountability from fellow believers.

Reflect on Jesus' teachings on responsibility.

Action Steps:

Evaluate stewardship in finances, time, and talents.

Establish accountability with fellow believers.

Study biblical teachings on stewardship

Seek guidance on responsible living.

May these prayers guide you in cultivating faithful stewardship.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ