19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

 Wis. 18:6-9; Heb. 11:1-2, 8-19; Lk. 12:32-48

In the old city of Prague, there’s a tale told of a master watchmaker who once gifted the town with a magnificent clock. It was intricate and grand, unlike any other, and it chimed every hour with a melody that could be heard for miles. But he left behind a single instruction: “You must wind it faithfully, each morning before the sun rises. If not, the music will stop—and with it, something greater will be lost.” For years, the townspeople took turns winding the clock—until one day, they forgot. Life became noisy, chaotic, and rushed. They stopped hearing the silence. And only when the silence stretched too long did they realize something precious had been lost.

Jesus, in Luke 12, is speaking to hearts like those townspeople. “Be dressed for action,” He says, “and keep your lamps lit.” Our faith and patience are like the daily winding of that town clock—small, faithful acts that preserve something greater: the readiness of the soul.

Jesus begins this passage with a tender reassurance: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” He follows it with the command: “Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out.” This is a call to radical faith—not in earthly treasures, but in the promises of God.

There are many Biblical Examples who showed great faith. Abraham, the father of faith, left his homeland not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). His treasure was not the land of Canaan, but the city with foundations, whose architect is God (Hebrews 11:10). He lived in tents because he trusted in something eternal. Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. (Exodus 2–14). Job maintained his trust in God despite losing family, health, and possessions. (Job 1–42). Accepted the angel's message despite social risk and personal uncertainty. (Luke 1:26–38). Continued preaching the gospel amid beatings, imprisonment, and shipwreck. (Acts 9–28)

History also tells us many such examples. In 1944, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor imprisoned for resisting Hitler, wrote from prison, “I believe that God can and will bring good out of everything, even the worst evil.” Though he was executed before seeing victory, his faith—stored in heaven—still speaks today.

Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001), Romanian pastor imprisoned and tortured for 14 years under communism for preaching the gospel, stayed alert and faithful under unimaginable pressure, never ceasing his watch at the Master's gate. Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983), a Dutch Christian watchmaker who hid Jews during the Nazi occupation. She lived alert to God’s call, storing treasure in heaven by risking her life to protect others.

In our world driven by instant gratification and visible success, this is a hard word. But faith teaches us to invest in unseen treasure: acts of kindness, daily prayer, honesty when no one is watching. These become “purses that do not wear out.”

Jesus also teaches about the Virtue of Readiness: “Be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet,” Jesus says. The parable paints a picture of servants who keep the lamps lit, even into the early hours of dawn, uncertain when the master will arrive.

Noah waited 120 years while building the ark, enduring mockery and doubt. Yet when the rain came, it was his faith and patience that saved his family (Genesis 6–7). In New Testament we see Simeon, a devout man, who waited for the “consolation of Israel.” He saw Christ before he died (Luke 2:25–32). His life shows us how patient faith is ultimately rewarded.

The life of William Wilberforce is another great example. William Wilberforce worked for decades to end the British slave trade. He died just three days after Parliament passed the law abolishing slavery. The master came, and Wilberforce was found at work.

We often grow weary in our waiting. Waiting for healing, for justice, for clarity, for answers. But the Christian life is not passive waiting—it is active readiness. We light our lamps through daily prayer, acts of mercy, standing firm in the faith even when the night seems long.

But delay often distracts and  we lose our focus. Jesus explains this to his listeners through the story of the servant.

“But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed…’” Here Jesus shifts the tone. Waiting turns into presumption. The servant begins to beat others, indulge himself, and neglect his responsibilities.

The same thing happened to the Israelites, when Moses delayed coming down from Mount Sinai, they made a golden calf and worshiped it(Exodus 32). Delay revealed their impatience and lack of trust.

In the early church, some believed Christ’s return was so delayed that it may never happen. 2 Peter 3 addresses this: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” God's delay is not neglect; it is mercy.

Finally, Jesus brings the lesson of the Weight of Responsibility: Jesus closes with sobering words: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” Faith and patience are not passive virtues—they are measured by our stewardship of responsibility.

Joseph in Egypt remained faithful in prison, wise in administration, and merciful in power. Because of his faithfulness, he saved a nation (Genesis 41–45).

Florence Nightingale, though born into wealth, saw her calling to serve the wounded. She said, “I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs.” Her faithfulness transformed modern healthcare.

You and I have been entrusted with time, talents and relationships. We are expected to feed the hungry, encourage the lonely and shape the next generation. The faithful and wise manager is not flashy—he is consistent.

So how can we live this message today; not by dramatic acts, but by daily faithfulness: showing up in prayer even when God seems silent, loving our neighbor even when they don’t change, serving even when it goes unnoticed. In a world addicted to results, we practice the virtue of patient obedience.

And when the Master comes—whether in the quiet hour of death, or in the great Day of the Lord—may He find us with lamps still lit, purses full of heavenly treasure, hands ready to open the door.

“Blessed are those servants whom the Master finds awake.”

Satish