Daily Readings - Wed Nov 22 2017
Luke
11As 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.12He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.13Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.'14But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.'15When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.16The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.'17And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'18And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.'19And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'20Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;21for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.'22He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?23Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'24And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.'25And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!'26'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.27But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.'"28And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faithfulness and trust in God. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of a mother and her seven sons who face martyrdom rather than renounce their faith. Their courage in the face of death is a testament to their unwavering trust in God's promise of eternal life. The mother's exhortation to her sons to remain faithful, even as they endure suffering, underscores the strength of their conviction and hope in God's mercy.
The Gospel from Luke presents a parable that complements this theme. Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources and expects them to be fruitful in his absence. The servants who invest and multiply the resources are rewarded, while the one who hides the money out of fear is reprimanded. This parable emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards and not letting fear dictate our actions. The nobleman's harsh treatment of his enemies serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and we are called to align our will with God's kingdom.
Both readings encourage us to reflect on our own faithfulness. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's providence, just as the mother and her sons did. Whether we face significant challenges or everyday responsibilities, we are invited to act with courage and faith. The parable reminds us that our actions should reflect our trust in God, and we should not let fear prevent us from living out our faith. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, trusting in God's plan and living with hope and courage, even in the face of uncertainty.