To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected

Wednesday, 23 October 2024. Readings: Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12, Luke 12:39-48

“Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.” (Luke 12:48)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus continued his sermon on the need to be prepared for the day of reckoning. Be the best version of yourself today. Death can happen at any time.

- In the parable of the steward, Jesus teaches us that we do not own our lives. We are stewards entrusted with a treasure – life. At the end of our lives, we must render an account to the owner – God. Peter asked Jesus: “Lord, do you intend this parable for us or the people?” And Jesus responded: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

- Church administrators and leaders will face a more severe judgment because we have “keys” to God’s kingdom. People listen to us, and they treat us like gods. We have the power to save and to destroy others. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42).

- “If that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful.” (Luke 12:45-46).

- It is shocking that amongst those of us doing “God’s work”, there are many who do not believe in God. On the Last Day, many of us who serve on God’s altar will be rejected from heaven. “You will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ He will answer, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!’ (cf. Luke 13:25-27).

- “And that servant who knew his master’s will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know and did what deserved a beating shall receive a light beating.” (Luke 12:47-48). Knowledge is responsibility. Our punishment will be tough if we continue sinning despite our knowledge of theology and access to many spiritual treasures.

- If a stranger insults you, it is easy to let go, but it is more painful when such insults come from the one you love. Jesus was disappointed with the religious leaders because they knew the truth but were misleading the people. “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” (Luke 11:52).

- When God entrusts us with much, and we fail to meet His expectations, He turns to others. John the Baptist said: “Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise children to Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8). For rejecting Jesus Christ (despite being the chosen children of God), God extended salvation to the Gentiles. This is what St. Paul proclaims in today’s first reading. “The Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6)

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make us more than mere signboards for your kingdom. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Ephesians 3:2-12, Isaiah 12, Luke 12:39-48).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu