Homily for Wednesday 21st November 2018
_“He gave
them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Trade with these till I come.’” *Luke
19:13*_
The key to
understanding today’s Gospel passage is to keep in mind the purpose behind the
parable given by Jesus. As Luke tells us: “Jesus proceeded to tell a parable,
because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of
God was to appear immediately.”
In other
words, Jesus told this parable to teach that His second coming is not going to
happen immediately and as such, what is important for us is to focus on
developing the gifts and talents that God has deposited in us. The worst
mistake we can make is to make ourselves perpetually idle in the name of
waiting for Christ’s second coming.
Unlike
other similar parables of Jesus, in this particular story, each of the ten
servants was given one pound each. This perhaps points to the radical equality of
God’s gifts to us. We may not have exactly the same gifts but no one is luckier
than anyone else. Nevertheless, even if there is no such thing as partiality on
the part of God, our abilities to make the best of God’s gifts in us vary.
From the
same one pound, one servant produced ten more, another produced five but there
was one who simply buried his pound only to bring it out exactly the way he was
given. This third servant is one from whom we have a lot to learn. In fact, Jesus
told this parable just so that we do not become like this particular servant.
There is
something about this servant who buried the Master’s pound. He loved to
complain, he lived in a world where everyone apart from him is a problem. He
had at least something negative to say about everyone. Even the Master was not
spared. He accused the master of being a severe man who loved to reap where he
has not sown. According to him, the master’s behaviour was to be blamed for his
inability to trade with the pound that was given to him.
Am I such
a person who is always complaining about people? Do I blame others for my
failures in life? Do I feel that God is unfair, unjust or unconcerned about me?
Do I find fault very easily or do I have a positive attitude towards life? What
efforts am I making to really develop my special abilities and talents? Perhaps
the only thing keeping you from discovering your talents is your belief that you
are not as blessed as others; that God was unfair to you. Stop complaining, get
busy, every difficulty is an opportunity inverted on itself. There is always a
silver lining in every cloud.
Today we
remember the day the Blessed Virgin Mary was presented (dedicated) to God in
the temple as a little child. This feast is significant because it marked the beginning
of her parents’ commitment to raising their girl-child to be such a God-fearing
and holy woman. Joachim and Anne are considered Saints today because of their
great act of parenthood. They gave Mary the very best so much so that God chose
her to be His Mother. As parents, let us remain committed to raising our children
to know, love and fear God.
Let us
Pray: Lord Jesus, help me to make the best use of my little time on earth while
I await your second coming. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday
of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time. Year B. Bible Study: Revelation 4:1-11
Psalm 150:1-6 and Luke 19:11-28).
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