(Audio recorded live, 10 August 2025)

Readings:

Wis. 18:6-9; Ps. 33; Heb. 11:1-2, 8-19; Lk. 12:32-48

Today’s psalm response is, “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.” What does it mean to be chosen? Some of us might think of the times we were chosen to play for a sports team, or chosen for a promotion at work, or chosen by a spouse. But, what does it mean to be chosen by the Lord? Well, our psalm would tell us that we are blessed. And if we are blessed, then what more do we need?

Of course, Jesus teaches us to avoid the pitfalls of earthly desires for possessions and wealth. Last week we learned that building a bigger empire is an exercise in futility. Qoheleth says, “Vanity of vanities…all things are vanity!” And Jesus says, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms.” He warns against the desire for earthly things, saying, “For where your treasure is, there also where your heart be.” So, where is our treasure? If those who are chosen by the Lord are blessed, what more do we really need?

There is one treasure we all possess that is often overlooked. That is the treasure of our faith. As a theological virtue, faith is something that has both its origin and its end in God. Faith is infused into our souls, meaning it is not acquired through our effort alone. This is different than something like the virtue of prudence or courage. If we want to grow in prudence, we have to learn how to make good decisions. If we want to grow in courage, we have to rise above fear. But, faith, is not something we can work out like other virtues. If we want our faith to grow, we need God to help it grow. One does not need faith to be prudent or courageous. These are virtues that operate outside of the theological. Yet, they are perfected by faith.

St. Paul describes faith as the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. One of the best examples of this is Abraham, who we call our father in faith. St. Paul says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.” The Bible tells us that Abraham became the father of many nations despite the many obstacles he and his wife Sarah faced. Was their faith perfect? No, several times they faltered in their faith, but little by little they pursued faith’s goal, which is God. And when the time came for Abraham’s faith to be tested, he was ready. Not only did he learn from his previous blunders, but he grew in his faith by holding on to whatever faith he had.

How are we holding on to our faith? We live at a time when the world is becoming more and more secular, the quality of discourse has plummeted, and people are tempted to seek constant entertainment. I recently began studying Latin. The etymology of the word entertainment comes from the Latin inter, meaning “among,” and tenir, meaning “to hold.” Together they suggest the idea of holding attention, but we do well to consider how much attention we give to what is profane. There is a fine line between our attention being held and being a prisoner to what we watch. I am sure many of us have binged a series on TV. When was the last time we binged a few chapters of the Bible?

According to the Manual of Indulgences, “A plenary indulgence is granted to those who read [the Bible] for at least one half an hour.” And if half an hour is too long, “A partial indulgence is granted to those who read from Sacred Scripture with the veneration which the divine word is due.” So, simply reading the Word of God with reverence may be offered for the remission of the temporal punishment associated with sin. We can offer our Scripture time for the souls in purgatory or for our ourselves. In many ways, the Bible is the best form of entertainment because it contains the word of God, which is truth. Jesus says, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:31b-32).

And so, the key to our readings is to keep the faith by remaining in Christ. We who are here today embrace this truth, we embrace Christ, and we receive him in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar. Indeed the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Christian life. Coming to Mass keeps us connected to that source and Jesus raises us to heights we never thought possible. All this because we keep the faith in a world that chooses to ignore God. May the communion we share today help us to remain in Christ, and may it inspire us to be Christ for others, so that they too may one day join us as chosen people who are truly blessed by God.