The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to the great blessing of responding to the prompting of the Spirit as brothers and sisters of Christ.
The reading from the Letter to the Ephesians presents Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles
* [3:1–13] Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2–3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4–5), has deepened understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8–9), once hidden. Through the church, God’s plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (Eph 3:10; cf. Eph 1:21), in accord with God’s purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul’s imprisonment (Eph 3:13). (Ephesians, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)
The response from the Prophet Isaiah declares the ”you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
* [12:1–6] Israel’s thanksgiving to the Lord, expressed in language like that of the Psalms. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 12, n.d.)
The Gospel of Luke presents the parable of the Faithful or the Unfaithful Slave.
* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia.
* [12:45] My master is delayed in coming: this statement indicates that early Christian expectations for the imminent return of Jesus had undergone some modification. Luke cautions his readers against counting on such a delay and acting irresponsibly. Cf. the similar warning in Mt 24:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 12, n.d.)
Kimberly Grassmeyer focuses on the initial, leading question of whether much is asked of those of us who have been blessed with so much.
Because you're here in devotion with me today, you are already among the richest of God's children, in spirit. Share that. If you're reading these words, you're among the richest of God's children in education. Teach others. If you live in the US, chances are very high that you are among the richest of God's children, in resources. Share them.
I won't be doing these things because I'm afraid of the beating that will come when my Master returns home. I'll do them because my Master graced me... little ME... in stewardship of all my blessings, and because Jesus asked me to.
Gracious God, help me to view every blessing of my life as a gift from you, and guide me in my stewardship of those blessings in love and support for others. Amen. (Grassmeyer, n.d.)
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 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) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:39-48 comments that it is more than a duty or command; it’s a privilege to carry out the master’s will while he is away. And while the servant in Jesus’ parable had the privilege of running the household, the privilege for us as Christians is much greater. Because through the love and care we show someone, we can reveal Christ to that person.
So don’t delay! Look at the needs that are within your reach today, and then get to work. Even small acts can reveal God’s presence to another person. One phone call, one email, one kind word, one hug, or one act of service—these are all ways of showing that you care. Then do something else the next day. Let love be your guide as you prepare for the Lord’s return.
“Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of caring for your people!” (Meditation on Luke 12:39-48, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Ephesians is like a hymn on the mystery of God’s grace brought about in time through the ministry of Paul. God entered into time, consecrated time and fulfills things in His time. Friar Jude reminds us to strive so that “nothing is left unsaid and nothing is left undone.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, shares conversation from the CAC podcast Love Period., Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis interviews Civil Rights leader and longtime activist Ruby Sales. Sales considers how embracing our God-given identity provides healing amid society’s injustices and empowers us to love others.
The theology and pedagogy of somebodiness—that I might be enslaved, I might be small within the state, but I’m somebody, not only with God, but with each other, and about myself. And so the pedagogy and theology of somebodiness. I’m a child of God, and being a child of God, I’m essential, and no one has the right to limit, or the power to limit, my ability to be somebody. So I grew up in a society where that theology was so powerful. . . . The white view of Black children as being inferior never penetrated my being because I was surrounded with the possibility that I could live into my highest capacity and to love myself. (Rohr, 2022)
We are enlightened by the Spirit to our power as servants of the Will of God and the responsibility for peace and love that we carry.
References
Ephesians, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/3?2
Grassmeyer, K. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101922.html
Isaiah, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/12?2
Luke, CHAPTER 12. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?39
Meditation on Luke 12:39-48. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/10/19/515015/
Rohr, R. (2022, October 19). A Theology of Somebodiness — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-theology-of-somebodiness-2022-10-19/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=oct19
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