Daily Readings - Wed Nov 22 2017
First Reading - 2 Maccabees 7.1, 20-31
Gospel - Luke 19.11-28
Luke
11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.25And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending 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.