Gospel: Luke 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Ronnie Lewis RIP.
Reflection:
People have high expectations of their leaders – civic and religious alike. Aside from looking after the well-being of those entrusted to their care, our leaders should serve as role models. Unfortunately, not all leaders have been faithful to their calling. Some have abused their authority like that complacent servant in today’s Gospel. ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ said this servant and started beating his fellow servants. Some have caused great pain. Think about those who amassed wealth while in public office while the rest of their countrymen suffer poverty and injustice. Think also of those involved in the clerical sexual abuse, including those who covered up for the perpetrators of such scandal. Jesus has a warning for them: “If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6). Leadership is not position and honour. It is service. Let us keep all our leaders in our prayer that they would remain faithful to their calling.
- Do you consider yourself as a faithful and prudent steward? Why or why not?
- How do you exercise leadership in your family, work, or community?
- Have you been caught red-handed? How did you defend yourself?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Grant us, especially our leaders, the grace to be the stewards You can count on. Amen.
Sincerely,
Pietro
