Daily Readings - Wed Nov 20 2019
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 stories that challenge us to reflect on faith, courage, and the responsible use of the gifts we have been given. The first reading from 2 Maccabees tells the story of a mother and her seven sons who endure immense suffering rather than betray their faith. Despite the brutal torture and death of her children, the mother remains steadfast, trusting in God’s promise of resurrection. Her courage is rooted in her deep faith and her belief that life does not end with death. The second reading, a parable from Luke’s Gospel, shifts our focus to the theme of stewardship. Jesus tells the story of a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources before departing to claim his kingdom. Upon his return, he holds them accountable for how they used what was given to them. Those who were faithful and fruitful are rewarded, while the one who buried his gift out of fear is condemned.
These readings are connected by the common thread of trust in God and the call to live faithfully in light of that trust. The mother in Maccabees trusts that God will restore life to her sons, and the servants in the parable are called to trust their master’s generosity and use their gifts wisely. Both stories remind us that our lives are not our own, and that we are called to live in a way that reflects our ultimate allegiance to God. The mother’s courage and the parable’s emphasis on accountability invite us to examine how we are using the time, talents, and resources we have been given.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the kind of faith and courage that the mother and the faithful servants exemplify? Are we using the gifts we have been given to build up the Kingdom of God, or are we allowing fear or complacency to hold us back? The mother’s trust in God’s promise of resurrection reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this life but in the life to come. At the same time, the parable challenges us to be faithful stewards of what we have been given, knowing that one day we will be called to account for how we lived. May we strive to live with courage, trust, and fidelity, using our lives to glorify God and to serve others.