Daily Readings - Wed Nov 22 2017
Luke
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'17"'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'25"'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"28After Jesus had said this, 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.