Homily: “Faithful, Ready, and Catholic”

Brothers and sisters,

The Word of God today is blunt:
“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit” (Luke 12:35).

Jesus is speaking to us — not to some abstract group — but to those who already believe, who already know the truth, and who already belong to His Church.

That means we can’t hide behind the excuse: “Oh, I didn’t know.”

• We know.
• We’ve been taught.
• We’ve been given more than anyone in history.

And Jesus says: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).

The second reading from Hebrews tells us: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is not a feeling, not a hunch, not wishful thinking. It’s solid — it’s conviction based on God’s revelation.

Catholic faith means believing what God has revealed because He is Truth itself, and He cannot deceive or be deceived. And notice the examples given:

• Abraham obeyed when God called.
• He left his homeland without knowing where he was going.
• He was willing to sacrifice Isaac, trusting in God’s promise.

That is real faith: obedience in the dark, trust when it hurts, surrender when you can’t see the outcome.

Now, some will say: “Well, all Christians believe this.”
But the readings remind us there’s something distinct about Catholic faith.

In the first reading, Wisdom recalls the Passover — God’s people were saved by the blood of the lamb and the covenant meal. This was not a “private faith moment.” It was a liturgy — a communal, sacrificial worship instituted by God, not invented by the people.

We Catholics still live that pattern — fulfilled in Christ, the true Lamb of God.
The Mass is our Passover. The Eucharist is the covenant meal that saves.
And this is why being “ready” for the Master’s return isn’t just about vague spirituality — it’s about being in a state of grace, living in the sacramental life of the Church, and persevering in the faith handed down from the apostles.

Jesus doesn’t just say “have good intentions.” He says “be dressed for action.” That means being ready for His coming — whether at the hour of our death or at His Second Coming.

Readiness has three marks in Catholic life:

Faith in what the Church teaches – No picking and choosing.

Hope rooted in the promises of God – No despair, no presumption.

Charity lived out in obedience – Not just sentiment, but holiness.

St. John Chrysostom once said: “Hell is paved not with the sins of the ignorant, but with the indifference of the instructed.”

This is exactly what Jesus warns against in the Gospel: the servant who knows his master’s will but does not act accordingly will be beaten severely. This is why “I’m Catholic, but…” is not a harmless phrase — it’s a spiritual deathtrap.

If we know Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, how could we stay away?
If we know Confession restores grace, how could we neglect it?
If we know the Church is His Body, how could we live as though belonging is optional?

Abraham’s story is not just ancient history. We are his descendants by faith (Galatians 3:7). God called him to leave what was familiar and trust in His word.

For us, that call might mean:

Letting go of sin we’ve grown comfortable with.

Giving up excuses for why we can’t pray, serve, or forgive.

Trusting God with our future even when it’s uncertain.

So what does readiness look like in practice?

Stay in a state of grace. That means regular Confession — not once a decade, but once a month if possible. (CCC 1457)

Live Eucharistically. Come to Mass hungry for the Bread of Life — not out of habit, but out of love. (CCC 1382)

Pray daily. At least five minutes in silence before God. Speak and listen. (CCC 2650)

Obey Christ’s teaching through His Church. Faith without obedience is dead. (CCC 144)

The readings give us not just warning, but encouragement.

Wisdom reminds us that God delivered His people.
Hebrews shows us that God’s promises are trustworthy.
The Gospel assures us that the Master Himself will serve those who are found ready.

Think about that: in Heaven, Jesus will “gird Himself” and serve His faithful servants (Luke 12:37). The Lord of the Universe, who comes to us hidden under bread and wine, will one day welcome us openly into His joy.

So here is the question the Gospel leaves us with:

If the Master came tonight —
and stood at the door —
would He find you ready?

Ready not just in word, but in grace.
Ready not just with faith, but with love.
Ready not just with Catholic identity, but with Catholic fidelity.

The Passover lamb is slain. The covenant is sealed. The table is set.

So, dear friends, let’s be found ready —
with lamps burning, hearts believing, sins confessed,
and eyes fixed on the Master who is coming.

And when He comes, may He find us not indifferent, but faithful.
Not drifting, but dressed for action.
Not empty-handed, but holding the treasure that lasts forever.