READINGS FOR THE 19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C, SUNDAY, 7TH AUGUST, 2022First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9 Psalm: 32 Second Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-12Gospel: Luke 12: 32-48REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM STAND READYDear brothers and sisters in Christ, Welcome to the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C. Seeing life through the lens of today’s Eucharistic celebration, curious minds will ask some pertinent questions about life. What is the purpose of life? Do we have priorities in life? Do we know how long our life will last? Do we have the sense of urgency in life? Is your life in search of the real homeland? Where is the treasure of your life?In response to these questions, Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34) In the Christian perspective, there is more to life. A Christian life is a treasure. It entails full commitment to the Gospel values. It requires responsibilities on our own part. It is against this background that Jesus invites us to stand ready in life. The reason for this invitation is “because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40) Are you prepared, ready and available for His coming? In this context, the end of our physical existence is death. We do not know when it will come. It can come at any time, age or anywhere. Some people are privileged to know that they are dying. In such a situation, they can prepare for it. They do good things and seek the face of God. They make peace with God and with one another. But sometimes, death meets us unprepared. In fact, most people do not know when death will come. In this case, what should we do? Jesus provided the answer in today’s gospel. Jesus says that we must “stand ready”, not sometimes but at all times. He urges us to see that we are dressed for action and have our lamps lit. (Luke 12:35)Jesus says to us, “There is no need to be afraid”. The implications of this great advice of Jesus are that we must be vigilant at all times. We must be on our guard. We must be awake ready for action. Jesus said: “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.”(Luke 12: 32-34)The Christian life is not about one’s convenience. It is about our commitment to love. The Christian life is a special vocation that enables us to love God and our neighbours as Christ loves us. The life of love leads to eternal life. Everything that has a beginning has an end. We are challenged to be ready at all times, praying always and doing good. We are also urged to make peace with people around us. When we do this, we shall have nothing to be afraid of in life. We pray that God may grant us the courage we need to be ready and available to experience His love and joy in abundance. May our Christian life inspire hope to those experiencing challenges in their journeys of life. Amen.Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM