Scripture:
Reflection:
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.
I can recall the first time I came across this Scripture from Luke, and it left me quite terrified. Yikes! Who wants to be punished or beaten? Not me! Even Peter asks for clarification, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” Yet the reality of what Christ is trying to get across is not punishment, but it comes down to service: service to God and service to one another. What will we be “doing” when He comes? Are we utilizing the gifts we have been given to build up the kingdom here on Earth? An even better question to ask ourselves is, “will we be serving one another faithfully?” Christ tells us, “Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.” So, what is there to fear? What is there to lose?
Christ offers blessings to those that follow His example of service to God Our Father. It is a promise that unites us closely to Christ, to share the very gifts that we have been given. If we are doing so, there is no need to worry about the “unknown hour” but rejoice always in our service to God.
Lori Kananen, LMC, is a lay Pastoral Associate at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.