Catholic Identity
Gospel Reflection
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Summary
Jesus encourages his followers not to be afraid, because God loves them and wants to give them the Kingdom. He teaches them to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, and to be ready—like servants waiting for their master to return. Jesus says we don’t know when he will come again, so we should always live in a way that is loving, faithful, and responsible.
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32–48
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. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.
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.’
Peter said, ‘Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone?’ The Lord replied, ‘What sort of steward, then, is faithful and wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at this employment. I tell you truly, he will place him over everything he owns. But as for the servant who says to himself, “My master is taking his time coming,” and sets about beating the menservants and the maids, and eating and drinking and getting drunk, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.
The servant who knows what his master wants but has not even started to carry out those wishes, will receive very many strokes of the lash. The one who did not know, but deserves to be beaten for what he has done, will receive fewer strokes. When a man has had a great deal given him, a great deal will be demanded of him; when a man has had a great deal given him on trust, even more will be expected of him.’
Reflection
Jesus begins this Gospel with the comforting words, “Do not be afraid, little flock.” He reminds us that we are deeply loved by God, who wants to give us the gift of His Kingdom. But with this gift comes a responsibility—to live with love, generosity, and readiness.
Jesus tells us to keep our lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return.
This means being people who are always ready to do what is right, even when no one is watching. It’s not about being perfect, but about trying each day to show kindness, share what we have, forgive quickly, and stay close to God.
In family life, this can look like helping without being asked, saying sorry when we’ve hurt someone, choosing patience when we’re frustrated, or praying together even when we’re tired. These small choices show that our hearts are ready—that we’re living not just for ourselves, but for God.
Jesus finishes by saying that those who have been given much are expected to care deeply and act wisely. Each of us has a role to play in building a loving home, a kind community, and a hopeful world.
Family reflection prompts:
- What are some things you worry about? How can we trust God more when we feel scared or unsure?
- What do you think it means to be “ready” for Jesus?
- Can you think of a time you made a loving or kind choice, even when no one else saw?
- What is one way our family can be more generous this week—with our time, our words, or our things?
- What do you treasure most? How do your actions show what’s most important to you?
- What is something small you can do each day to make our home (or classroom/community) a kinder place?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for caring for us and calling us your little flock. Help us to live with hearts full of kindness, to treasure what really matters—love, faith, and family. Teach us to be ready for you every day, by the way we treat each other, help others, and follow you. May we be faithful in small things and generous with all we have.
Amen.
St. Mary MacKillop Feast Day – August 8th
Mary MacKillop’s feast day is celebrated on 8th August. She was the first saint from Australia and started schools to help children learn, especially those who were poor or living far away. Mary showed love, courage, and kindness, and trusted God through everything she did.
Who is Mary MacKillop?
Mary MacKillop was the first Australian saint. She loved God and wanted to help others, especially children who didn’t have a chance to go to school. She started schools all around Australia so kids could learn and have a better future. Mary was kind, brave, and never gave up—even when things were really hard. She believed in the words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.” We remember her as someone who showed love through her actions and helped make Australia a fairer place.
The Story of Mary MacKillop - This short video tells the inspiring story of Mary MacKillop - Australia’s first saint - focusing on how she began teaching in a tiny rural school and founded a new religious community to bring education to children in need. It highlights her kindness, courage, and devotion to helping others even when facing challenges.
You can access it here:
- Why did Mary MacKillop want to start schools in rural areas?
- What kind of challenges did she face while helping others?
- Think about the phrase “Never see a need without doing something about it.” How could you live that out in your school or home?
Prayers of the Faithful for St. Mary MacKillop
This Prayer of the Faithful honours the life and legacy of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. It invites students and staff to reflect on how Mary’s faith, courage, and compassion can inspire our own lives today. Each prayer intention is connected to her mission—supporting the Church, caring for others, valuing education, and living with kindness and action. The prayer encourages us all to live by her famous words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”