A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (12:39-48)
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
REFLECTION: Jesus’s message to us today is both, a warning and an invitation. He tells us to be ready, like a homeowner prepared for an unexpected thief. He reminds us, that the Son of Man will also come, at an hour we do not expect. This is a call to be vigilant, to be alert and spiritually awake, always mindful of God’s purpose, in our lives. But Jesus doesn’t leave us to simply be all nervous and worried. Instead, He asks us, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward?” He presents us, with the story of a servant, entrusted with a great responsibility. One who cares for the master’s household, in his absence. This parable is not just for the church clergy and leaders, but for all baptized. We are all managers/stewards of the gifts God has given us—our time, our talents, our resources, our faith itself and of course, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The warning is clear. the servant who becomes careless and neglects his duty and abuses his power, will be judged severely. He grows careless when he assumes the master is delaying. This is a powerful reminder that worldly living, often starts, when we forget or take for granted, Christ’s return.
The invitation is one of hope. The faithful servant, who is found diligently working when the master returns, will be blessed and rewarded, with even greater responsibility. This is the promise for those who live with intentionality and purpose, using their gifts, only for God’s glory.
Jesus concludes with a serious, sensible thought: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
As people of faith and students of the Scriptures, we have been blessed to have received the knowledge of the Gospels, and by that, we have been given much. Therefore, more will be expected of us. Our accountability is not meant to fill us with fear, but rather, to encourage us to live purposefully, making the most of every opportunity, all for the glory and kingdom of God.
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Take time today to pray, and specifically, ask the Holy Spirit, to help you live today, vigilant and prepared, with wisdom, faithfulness, and a watchful heart, always ready for when our Master returns.
AUDIO REFLECTION:
