Wis 18:6-9
Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 or 11:1-2, 8-12
Lk. 12:32-48 or 12:35-40

Choices
The readings for August 12th walk us into the sacred space of waiting. I think that most of us are “in waiting” almost every moment of our lives. Some of the things for which we wait are big things, some are small and some we take for granted and forget that we are even waiting for them.

For example, there is that challenging waiting that happens when we or someone in our lives is pregnant. We pray often and purposefully during that time of waiting. There are the times when we decide to sell or buy a house, change jobs or shift the direction of our work. During each of these periods of times we do variety of things to expedite the waiting.

We get external professional help to create the change we seek, or we may turn inward and beef up our spiritual practices, hoping that God will show a kind eye toward us.

In the second reading from Hebrews, we are coached by Paul on the importance of waiting with a sense of faith. He says: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” It seems that we wait in this manner whether it is for a birth or death. It can be a powerful place to hang out, this place of waiting with faith.

On the other hand, it can also be very challenging to wait unsure of the unknown. This is where I have been grateful for the unlikely angels who show up with an encouraging word, an embrace that gives permission for doubt right along side of an even stronger faith, and a distraction that leads to an accomplishment not related to that for which one is waiting.

In the gospel, Jesus wants to make sure that we are waiting for that which gives life. He invites us to let go of all that we are holding in our clenched hands that we use as a security blanket as we wait. He says to us, “don’t sell yourself short, as it pleases the Father to give you the kingdom.” He gives us the whole estate; we are to receive everything, just like the prodigal son. However to do this we have to make room in our hearts for a love so great.

The challenge of this is that it is all about faith, this letting go into the arms of God. It is all about an active waiting that invites our hearts to be empty in order that we are open to the sacred map quest that will guide our steps and free our minds to the one thing that matters, the kingdom at hand. He asks us to prepare for a way of living that guides our hearts to be totally, consciously dependent on the kingdom of God. He says it this way:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

Today the question in each of our lives is: am I willing to choose a focus that is based on God’s invitation and not our materialistic culture? Am I ready to put the focus of my waiting, of my faith and most importantly of my heart in the hands of the Father, who is pleased to give me the kingdom?