Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias
Homily on the Gospel of Luke 12:32–48
The Gospel today offers us both comfort and challenge. Jesus begins with words of reassurance: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” These words are not just poetic. They are a declaration of divine generosity and love. God desires to give us His kingdom, not because we have earned it, but because He delights in sharing it with His children.
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This memory is passed down from parents to children, not as a distant historical event, but as a living testimony of God’s saving power. The children rejoice in what their parents proclaim, and the story becomes a source of hope and identity for generations.
In the second reading, Saint Paul speaks of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—as men who lived by faith. They did not see the promises fulfilled in their lifetimes, but they trusted in God’s plan. Their example teaches us that faith is not always about immediate results. It is about believing in what God has promised, even when we cannot yet see it.
The Gospel presents two beautiful parables. In the first, Jesus speaks of servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding. They are to keep their lamps lit and their loins girded. In biblical times, people wore loose garments, and to gird one’s loins meant to tie up the clothing in preparation for action. It was a sign of readiness, of being prepared to serve.
These servants are not waiting passively. They are waiting with hope, with joy and with a sense of anticipation. When the master arrives and finds them prepared, he does something extraordinary. He invites them to sit at the table, and he serves them himself. This reversal of roles reveals the depth of God’s love. The Lord becomes the servant of those who have remained faithful.
This is not just a parable about the end of time. It is a lesson for daily life. We are called to live with vigilance, to be attentive to God’s presence in every moment. The servants are described as having a relationship with the master that resembles that of children with a father. Their readiness is rooted in love, not fear.
The apostles, unsure whether this teaching was meant for them alone, ask Jesus for clarification. He responds with another parable, this time about the faithful steward. The steward is entrusted with responsibility and is called to care for others with integrity and compassion. Blessed is the servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.
Jesus also warns about the servant who becomes careless, who mistreats others and indulges himself. That servant will be held accountable. Then comes a powerful truth: much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and even more will be demanded of the one entrusted with more.
This Gospel passage invites us to reflect on our own readiness. Are we living with hearts prepared to serve? Are we attentive to the needs of others? Are we seeking the kingdom of God above all else?
Through baptism, we have become children of God. We can say with confidence that the eternal and almighty God is truly our Father. This is not a metaphor. It is a reality. And because of that, we pray, “Give us more and more a heart of children.” A heart that is not static, but growing. A heart that desires to love, to serve and to belong.
But this prayer requires something of us. If we do not learn to be children in our human relationships—toward our parents, toward those who guide and help us—how will we understand what it means to be children of God? If we do not live with a paternal or maternal heart toward those entrusted to us, how will we grasp the love of the heavenly Father?
We are asking for a heart that is sensitive, affectionate and full of gratitude. A heart that prepares us to receive the inheritance promised to us. Eternal life is not automatic. It is the fruit of a life lived with love, with authentic relationships and with a spirit of service.
One day, we hope to be in heaven. But that hope begins here on earth. If we live as children—toward our parents, our mentors and toward God—and if we also live as spiritual fathers and mothers to those who depend on us, then the kingdom begins to unfold in our midst.
The world today suffers from spiritual orphanhood. Many have forgotten the Father. But Jesus came to reveal Him. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is the one who forgives, who welcomes and who offers us an eternal inheritance. He stands with open arms, ready to receive us into His heavenly home.
May the Lord find us vigilant, with our lamps lit and our hearts ready. May He find us serving with joy and living with love. And when He comes, may He invite us to sit at His table and serve us with the tenderness that only He can offer.
Source: Sunday homily – “A Divine Fatherhood” (19th Sunday in Ordinary Time), by Monsignor João Scognamiglio Clá Dias. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnLrz0pqS-8
