The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on the life we live as disciples of Christ and our faithfulness to the Way that we have learned from Him
Delivered from?
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans exhorts us to be slaves of righteousness. Psalm 124 is a thanksgiving for Israel’s Deliverance. The Gospel of Luke urges us to consider the faithful and the unfaithful slave1. Mary Lee Brock comments that Jesus is teaching us to be mindful of the challenges inherent in being prepared for an uncertain future while also being fully grounded in the present.
Particularly when we find ourselves in challenging times, we can try to escape the stressors by planning for the future. We can be seeking comfort by trying to feel a sense of control by striving to prepare for many futures such as a natural disaster, job loss, move to a new city, welcoming a new family member, saving money for retirement. Being so focused on the future can pull our attention away from the present. Careful planning is a responsible choice, but there must be a sense of balance. An obsession with the future does not allow us to be available to carefully listen to one another, to offer support to those in need, to show gratitude for the many gifts we receive from God.2
Don Schwager quotes “God's great promise for faithful and wise servants,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find us so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62)3
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:39-48 asks are we the servants who should know better? If Jesus returned today, how would he judge us?
It can be tempting, like Peter, to wonder if this parable is meant for us: the faithful and the prayerful. The short answer is, yes! We have been entrusted with much, just as the servant in the parable had been given much. Jesus has left us to care for his Church as well as the whole of his creation. We know the will of our Master, and we need to make sure we are about his business. “Jesus, help me to be ready to greet you when you come again!”4
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts today.
Richard Rohr, OFM, continues to reflect on the consequences of being Church as an empire. We sharpen our awareness that our focus can be taken away from our mission by the many distractions of our culture.
Reflections
No comments:
Post a Comment