“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Wednesday, 22nd November 2017.
Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
2 Mac 7: 1, 20-31;
Ps 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15 (R) 15;
Lk 19: 11-28.
BEING PRODUCTIVE FOR THE KINGDOM
In today’s Gospel parable, on his return, the King demands a personal accounting from each of his servants. The passage ends: “I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.” Jesus is very serious in His words, regarding those who act contrary to His divine will.
Three servants were each given a gold coin. The first used the coin to earn ten more, the second earned five more and the third did nothing but give back the coin upon the king’s return. It is this servant who is chastised for doing nothing with the gold coin he was given. We often like to speak of the mercy and kindness of Jesus, and we are right in doing so. He is kind and merciful beyond measure. But He is also a God of true justice. In this parable we have the image of two groupings of people receiving divine justice.
First, we have those Christians who fail to spread the Gospel and fail to give what they have been given. They remain idle with the faith and, as a result, lose the little faith they have. Second, we have those who directly oppose the kingship of Christ and the building up of His Kingdom on Earth. These are those who work for the up building of the kingdom of darkness in numerous ways. The ultimate result of this malice is their utter destruction.
In the First Reading, we see the faithfulness of a mother and whose seven sons were tortured, scourged and killed for not tasting pig’s flesh. They stood faithful to the traditions and Law. This kind of faithfulness is demanded of our faith. Reflect, today, upon the seriousness of the Gospel and your following of Jesus. If there is something lacking, ask the grace to be strengthened to witness to Jesus and his kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, may I never squander the grace You have given me. Help me to always work diligently for the up building of Your divine Kingdom. And help me to see it as a joy and honor to do so. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen
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