REFLECTIONS TODAY
Today’s Gospel is part of the passage that speaks of vigilance proper to Jesus’ followers. It tells of the reality of the Parousia as understood by Luke. Jesus, the Son of Man, will be coming again at an hour when no one expects it. Jesus’ followers must, therefore, be prepared at all times. With this, the reality of Parousia becomes intricately connected to everyday life of Jesus’ disciples. Every disciple is called to be a faithful steward (pistos oikonomos) and a wise one (phronimos) every day. As faithful stewards, we are to keep our Christian identity. Being wise, we must be discerning of the things that can keep or destroy such identity. As Jesus’ disciples, we must be true to our Christian calling while waiting for Jesus’ return. We need to bear in mind that much is required of us because we are Christians.
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 him 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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.