MY daily reflection and prayer:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Luke 19:11-28
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, `Trade with these till I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, `We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. The first came before him, saying, `Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.’ And he said to him, `Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, `Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ And he said to him, `And you are to be over five cities.’
Then another came, saying, `Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, `I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, `Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, `Lord, he has ten pounds!’) `I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.'” And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
TODAY, Jesus speaks to each of us in the parable of a nobleman who went away to receive a kingdom. The parable reveals something important about how God works his plan and purpose with the human race. The parable speaks first of the king’s trust in his subjects. While he goes away he leaves them with his money to use as they think best.
Jesus tells us that God rewards all of us who faithfully use our gifts and talents for doing good by giving us more. God honors us who use our talents and gifts for doing good.
There is an important lesson here for us. Jesus offers us a kingdom of justice, love, and peace and he calls us to live as citizens of this kingdom where he rules as Lord and Master. He expects us to be good stewards of the gifts and graces he gives us.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist we worship Jesus Christ who entrusts us with his gifts and graces. He gives us freedom to use them as we think best. Let’s trust in God’s grace to make good use of the gifts and talents he has given us.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, be the ruler of our heart and mind and the master of our home and goods. Fill us with a generous and wise spirit that we may use the gifts, talents, time, and resources you give us for your glory and your kingdom now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
