Judgment and the choices that define us
August 17, 2025 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40, R. Lord, come to my aid!; Hebrews 12:1-4; Gospel – Luke 12: 49-53
Judgment and choice are two themes that we will reflect on in this Sunday’s Gospel. The image of fire, especially in the context of the Lord’s time and audience, carried with it the idea of judgment. This is our opening reflection.
In the Lord’s preaching, He stated that He did not come to judge the world (cf. John 13: 17)—and ultimately, it will be the choices we will make and the action that flows from these choices that will be the measure used to judge us.
The Parable of the Final Judgement in Matthew 25: 31-46 made this very clear. The clear point made by the Lord in today’s Gospel was that there will be a final judgement. This is part of the Good News.
The Good News is the assurance that God’s justice will prevail in the final judgement. It is also a profound part of the Good News that we are active participants in this process and not simply waiting recipients.
On stewardship and the responsibilities we bear
Last Sunday we reflected on stewardship, which carries with it a tremendous amount of responsibility and accountability.
The Filipino word, “katiwala,” for stewardship makes this very clear. As stewards, we are entrusted with all the blessings we have, and this trust has a set of responsibilities and accountabilities.
How so? Part of the responsibility is for us to make choices on the use of the blessings entrusted to us. The Lord again made this clear in the Parable of the Talents. (cf. Matthew 25: 14-30)
This puts choice front and center of our being followers of Jesus. Among the many blessings given to us, the freedom to choose is what makes us capable of returning love for love and entering a commitment.
The fruits of our choice
The third and final point for reflection references the fruits or effects of choice, which the Lord described in today’s Gospel.
Our commitment and our choice to be his disciples will put us in a very clear position or standing regarding our core values and fundamental principles. Again, the Filipino word gives us clarity that our choice will declare to all our “paninindigan.”
This is what will define where our choice and commitment will bring us. It can create division with those whose values and principles differ from ours. This is the division that I think the Lord meant in today’s Gospel. That we need not end up as enemies, although this is possible in some cases, but it will draw the line, so to speak, where we stand.
As the Lord put it, “he who is not with me is against me.” (cf. Matthew 12: 30). Then, Peter added another dimension to this when he asked Jesus what was in it for them who have made a choice and left behind everything.
And the Lord gave us another element of the Good News. Yes, we all know the ultimate reward is eternal life, there are blessings too in this lifetime. But the latter element is a reminder that we can never outdo God in generosity. And perhaps it is a reminder or an assurance that all who follow Jesus, leaving everything behind will be blessed with a life lived in generosity, with magnanimity—a life lived with the greatness of soul.
