Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 25, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today gives us one of Jesus’ warnings to be vigilant as disciples, to act as our Master, the LORD, has asked us to, because we do not know when our time here will end, when we will stand before the LORD for our use of our lives. At the end of his teaching, Jesus reminds us that we have been entrusted with much, with knowledge of Him and with the gifts of the Spirit, so much is expected of us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How am I using my life? Am I using it in loving service to the LORD and others? Am I wasting opportunities to make life better for others?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, all that we are and all the goodness that we enjoy in this life are from You. We lift our voices in loving praise and our hearts in thanksgiving. Your bounty and loving kindness are given to us not just for ourselves but for the Kingdom, for the benefit of others as well as for service to You. As your loving servants here on earth, help us to use our time, talent and treasure in loving service. Guide our choices. Make of us instruments of your loving desire for all your daughters and sons. May we be loyal and fruitful disciples. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.