Nineteenth Sunday of the Year August 07 2022
Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48
I remember reading this anecdote some time ago. An unskilled worker goes for a job interview and demands a pay higher than that demanded by skilled workers. When asked why he demands so much for his unskilled work he explains that because he is new to the job he would put in more effort and time than the skilled workers to do the same job. Therefore, he should be paid more. This is certainly an unusual way of reasoning. Booker T. Washington echoed a similar sentiment when he said, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed." This rare way of thinking is reflected in today's gospel.
Today's gospel is on the theme of remaining faithful as we wait for the return of the Lord. Jesus uses two parables to make the point. First there is the Parable of the Watchful Servants where Jesus encourages his disciples to be vigilant and ready for action as they wait for the coming of the Master. That he will come is certain, but when he will come no one knows. The Lord comes unexpectedly into our lives everyday through events and people we meet. But the ultimate, unexpected coming of the Lord in our lives is the moment of death. We should be watchful to recognise the Lord and prepared to meet him in the little unexpected opportunities of everyday life. This is the best way to prepare for the ultimate encounter with the Lord at the hour of death.
In the second parable, the Parable of the Faithful or Unfaithful Servant, Jesus reiterates the lesson of the first parable under the heading of faithfulness. He portrays two different attitudes of disciples in the absence of the Master. The wise disciple remains steadfast at his duty post even in the master's absence. The foolish disciple takes to a complacent lifestyle and takes the law into his own hands. The day of reckoning comes with the master's return. The faithful servant receives a promotion, the unfaithful one is "cut to pieces" and given a place with the unbelievers.
This Gospel of the day asks us to be truly ready to face the ultimate, implying that that man, in spite of all his efforts to build up his human and material security. He had pictured a long and bright future before him with material wealth. But he was not prepared to receive God. Jesus tells us today to be ready and to be prepared when the Master comes. For all our care and precautions, there is absolutely no way we can know when or how the Master will come to call us to himself. Jesus is warning us today about something much more important than the property we own, namely, the quality of our lives. We have to have our lamps lit and keep them burning so that it shows light to all.
There is another perspective to the theme of watchfulness. This is evident in the question of Peter who asks Jesus whether the parable is meant for the disciples or for everyone. Each person is accountable for his own deeds and has to give account to the Lord. He tells us that those who persevere in their living faith, are blessed. Secondly, faith and patience are regarded as spiritual virtues that are so great in the eyes of God that as a reward to those who possess these qualities, Jesus will sit down with them, serve them and eat with them. This will take place in the Kingdom of God. He has given the disciples greater gifts and therefore he demands greater responsibility.
Happy Sunday
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