Daily Readings - Wed Nov 20 2019
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 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.