The readings for today invite us to trust in God‘s ways. As we hear from the letter to the Hebrews: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. If we have that faith, then we need not be afraid.

The short section from the Book of Wisdom, recalls the night of deliverance, when the Jewish people were liberated from Egyptian slavery. They had placed their lives in God’s hands, and their trust was justified. What they had hoped for, what they had believed in came about. Their trust in God was justified. (Note from Henry Wansbrough: Most first readings relate to the gospel reading; however, this reading prepares for the second reading, which is a meditation on the journey of God’s People.)

The author of Hebrews reminds his readers that Abraham placed his life in the hands of God, believing that God would lead him to a new land where he would become the ancestor of countless believers. This short extract recounts other acts of faith which emphasised Abraham’s implicit faith, the faith that justified him.

The Gospel, set within the context of Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, is his instruction to the disciples about possessions, about being prepared or watchful for the Lord’s return, and about responsible leadership.

The first instruction is a warning not to be attached to possessions: a danger against which Luke, writing to a prosperous audience, continually warns;

The second instruction stresses the importance of being prepared for the Lord’s return, whenever that may be: note he himself will serve them (overtones of the Last Supper and washing of feet?);

The third instruction offers the disciples a warning about how to use or not use the authority they have been given (a salutary warning for us, Jesus’ followers, especially those in leadership positions, whether lay or clerical!).

Themes: 

– trust in God (how?); 

– faithfulness to God (how is that lived out in our contemporary world?); 

– use of authority. Note: if authority is rooted in ‘being authentic’ and genuine ‘authenticity’ then shouldn’t our trust in, and faithfulness to God, make us authentic? Or turn it around: to be ‘authentic’ (and therefore ‘be invested’ in authority) demands trust in and faithfulness to God.

To Note:

International Youth Day is on the 12th August (Tuesday). It was designated by the United Nations in 1999 to draw attention to issues affecting young people and to celebrate their contributions to society. Each year has a specific theme focusing on different aspects of youth development. 2025 theme: “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future”. This theme highlights the vital role of today’s young people in driving sustainability, innovation, environmental stewardship, and social equity.

Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady on Friday, 15th August.