e are a Roman Catholic community of believers in Jesus Christ in Lincoln Park and surrounding areas, located in the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. Our Bishop is Bishop Arthur Serratelli. Please feel free to visit the pages of our Parish site, learn about who we are as a community of faith and the services our parish provides. If you are thinking about moving to the Lincoln Park area, we cordially invite you to make St. Joseph's your parish.
In last week’s Gospel, the antidote for the anxiety brought on by the coming judgment is to relinquish our possessions and provide for the needs of others. In this Sunday’s Gospel Lk 12:32-48, Jesus speaks of his coming again in glory. He tells a parable that illustrates the importance of being prepared for his arrival. Just as household servants must be prepared for the return of their master from a village wedding, so followers of Jesus must be ready for his return in glory.
This parable adds to the theme of watchfulness; it explains how to wait and reminds us of the reward for the faithful follower at the heavenly banquet after the judgment. The parables remind us that we should be found doing our jobs when the master arrives.
Luke gives us a clue about his concern for his congregation. Luke wanted his people not to forget that Jesus would return in Glory and thus they should not become complacent about the future but instead, live today in readiness for the future.
Watchfulness means living in such a consistently moral and obedient way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived.
After reflecting on the Gospel’s text, we may find that Luke’s community and ours has similar concerns. Two millennia later Jesus’ advice about priorities and preparation are still binding.
