The Gospel reading for this Sunday (August 7, 2022) ends with Jesus saying, "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." Lk 12:48.
Until writing this reflection, I thought this saying referred to my gifts - whatever God has given me - my talent, time, or treasure. I thought the more He gave me, the more was expected of me. After reflecting on this entire passage more, I think there is another, perhaps better, way to understand it.
In this reading, Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the vigilant and faithful servants. But the second part of the reading is directed to Peter. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” - to which Jesus 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?" Lk 12:41-42. Jesus isn't referring to the steward's gifts, but the people and mission with whom the steward is entrusted. Jesus then explains that the servants are judged based on their knowledge of God's will, and whether they acted on it. See Lk 12:47-48.
Jesus concludes this explanation by saying, "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." Lk 12:48.
In other words, maybe I shouldn't be asking myself whether I have put my time, talent and treasure to good use, but am I doing what I know to be God's will, for those with whom I have been entrusted? Am I doing what I have been called to do?
Challenge for the week:
Prayerfully consider these questions this week, for yourself and your parish: How have we been entrusted with knowledge of God's will? How have we been entrusted with others? How have we been entrusted with mission? How can we now act with that understanding?
Commentaires