Readings:
Apocalypse 4: 1 – 11
Luke 19: 11 – 28
Reflection:
God’s Word is like a giant X -ray machine that shows us a deeper understanding into the meaning of life and the destiny of eternal life as proclaimed in the Gospel.
In the first reading John in a time of intense persecution is shown a vision of God in his majesty and the hymn of eternal praise given to God in heaven. All creation is symbolized by the 4 living creatures who praise God endlessly. The 24 kingly elders symbolize the whole Holy People of God giving praise and thanksgiving to God. The Latin word “Beatus” – the condition of the blessed in heaven means literally “with mouth open in awe”. In other words, when we gaze on God in his wonder and beauty we are literally “gob-smacked”! It is all before us!
In the Gospel, this parable appears just before Jesus enters Jerusalem to be acclaimed King and then to go through his bitter Passion and to go on to his Glory. Luke is saying – Jesus is now being given the Kingship. Your and my task is to serve him to the best of our abilities as he has entrusted us with a responsibility in his Kingdom. By doing my vocation – whatever it may be – to the best of my ability, I help his Kingdom come. Let us have trust in Him, aware of His love for us. Let us not be crippled by fear or resentment, like the third servant, but through his grace, be loyal servants – caring for those committed to our care, and trusting in the goodness and mercy of the Lord who is even now among us.
Pat McIndoe CP, a Passionist at St. Joseph, Port Moresby, PNG.