Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Josephat, B.M, (12th November, 2019) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
Wis 2:23–3:9;
Ps 33:2-3.16-19. (R.v.2);
Lk 17:7-10.
Saint Josephat was born in the Ukraine of Orthodox
parents about the year 1580. He became a Catholic and joined the monks of Saint
Basil. Josephat became a priest and was elected Bishop of Polock, and worked
strenuously for the unity of the Church. He suffered martyrdom at the hands of
his enemies in the year 1623. Culled
from The
divine office: The liturgy of the hours according to the roman rite.
pp. 394-395.
Topic: Not here and now.
Jesus queried His disciples if any of them would ask his
slave on his return from plowing or tending sheep to eat at once. He asked them
further, “Would you not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, put on your
apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink’? Do you
thank the slave for doing what was commanded?”
A master who behaves in the way Jesus described in this
gospel can be seen as an insensitive one. How could he not have given his slave
at least a little time to rest; from the field to other house chores? However,
the slave was to eat and drink after he had finished his work.
Often we either wonder or complain that things are not moving
on well for us despite our efforts to be charitable, to avoid sin, to be just,
to pray at all times, to be regular and punctual to church’s programmes, and so
on. Certainly a slave who returned from the field would prefer to at least eat,
and rest. But it was not the right time.
The Master will certainly repay every one of us, cf. Is 25:8. But that will be at the proper
season, cf. Eccl 3:1. With the
Psalmist I admonished ourselves, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your
heart take courage; yea, wait for the LORD!” (Ps 27:14; cf. Ps 31:24). He is coming soon to repay every one
according to what each has done, cf. Rev
22:12. Certainly, one may ask, ‘But when?’ The only sure answer is that it
will be at God’s own time not ours which is unknown even to the angels, cf. Mk 13:32. Just wait for God. Saint
Josephat waited for Him and today he is enjoying the beatific vision.
Bible Reading: Eccl 3:1-15.
Thought for today: At God’s own time.
Let us pray: Lord, give us the strength to be
strong enough to wait for you till you come – Amen.
Saint Josephat – Pray for us.
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