Readings: Apocalypse 4:1-11, Ps. 150, Luke 19:11-28
“Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.” (Luke 19:20-21)
The key to understanding today’s Gospel passage lies in its introduction: “Jesus proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.”
- In other words, the parable shows that the world’s end is certain. As we often say: “Nothing lasts forever.” The world is coming to an end. Everything that has a beginning must come to an end. This is a frightening reality that we cannot toss aside.
- The end must come, and we will render accounts for everything God gave us that day. This parable stylishly reminds us that nothing truly belongs to us – not even our lives. This should give us a sense of humility and responsibility. Remember that we are servants, and God, our creator, is the Master. No matter how high and mighty you think you are, you can never be greater than God. You must come before Him to render account one day.
- In the parable, ten servants were given ten coins. Each servant had a coin, and the master told them to trade with these coins until his return. This tells us that even though we all seem unequal, no one is more favoured than another. Jesus gave a similar parable in which the master gave unequal amounts of talent to his servants. Even in that case, each was given “according to their capacity,” meaning none had more than the other. (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). Never envy anybody. Pay attention to your unique gifts. There is something you have that no one else has.
- Again, like the other parable, one of the servants decided not to do anything with the money he was given. This servant represents those who fail to use their gifts, talents and opportunities because they anticipate the world’s end. Surely, the world would end, but this should not stop us from making the best of everything we have now. Jesus says: “You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:14). Am I shining? Is my life attracting others to God?
- In the parable, the master told the servants to trade with the money, not to bury it. Keep God’s commandments even if you think you have better ideas than God. Your life is a gift from God. Like any electronic device, you must read and obey the manual that comes with the product to enjoy the product. We cannot afford to ignore God’s instructions and still hope to have a good account to show for our lives.
- When asked why he chose to bury the money, the servant insulted the Master, calling him harsh and lazy. In other words, the servant’s action was an open revolt against the Master. Like this servant, humanity revolts against God’s authority today. As the servant complained about the Master, many complain about God today: “If God is truly good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world?” Instead of blaming God for our problems, ask: “Have I done what I should do?”
- As we look forward to sharing in the heavenly worship described by John in today’s first reading, let us not give up our faith and hope. Let us never despair or assume that God no longer cares for us. Like the master who travelled, leaving the servants behind with his talents, life on earth may sometimes seem as if God is absent, but the truth is that He is always present. He sees everything we do with our lives every moment. Trust him and carry on.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to make the best use of our little time here on earth. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Apocalypse 4:1-11, Ps. 150, Luke 19:11-28).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu