Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“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.”

Gospel Reading: 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.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus again lectures us about being faithful and respecting the gifts which have been given to us. God has given us many gifts which we must treasure and take care of. Jesus says, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” If your time was today, would you be ready for your judgment. God has entrusted us with much responsibility. We need to take care of God’s children and the gifts which he has bestowed upon us. Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.” Jesus also warns us, “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.” We must have faith in God that he will take care of us. This care and love must be reciprocated to others around us. We do these deeds as a demonstration of our faith and love for God. God expects us to use the gifts that he has given us to benefit others. The more he gives you, the more he expects from you. The deeper your faith, the bigger the commitment you must be willing to give. Jesus says, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” If we only use our gifts to satisfy ourselves, we are denying God’s love and we will be punished accordingly.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, I am your servant,

I am the keeper of your gifts.

Give me the wisdom to make wise use of the gifts

So that they may benefit others

And bring them to your table.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon