Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Peter Chanel Church, Tannum Sands, Qld.

"That night had been foretold to our ancestors, so that, once they saw what kind of oaths they had put their trust in,
they would joyfully take courage. This was the expectation of your people,
the saving of the virtuous and the ruin of their enemies; for by the same act with which you took vengeance on our foes
you made us glorious by calling us to you." (cf. Wis 18:6-9).

"Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own." (cf. Ps 33).

"Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. It was for faith that our ancestors were commended." (cf. Heb 11:1-2).

"Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you, in heaven where no thief can reach it and no moth destroy it. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes... You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’..." (cf. Lk 12: 32-48).

Artwork: "Illuminierte Seite aus dem Waldburg-Gebetbuch", anonymous, (15th C., public domain).