November 17, 2021

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Lk 19:11-28  

As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ 

But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ 

Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 

Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’”

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Something Else in Mind

To understand this parable, ask yourself two questions: What’s the context of Jesus’ parable? What’s the main idea here?

Luke highlights the context in the first and last lines of today’s reading, in the translation we hear at Mass: “He told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed the kingdom of God would appear immediately,” and “After he had said this, he went on ahead to Jerusalem.”

The disciples and many Jews believed Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, who would immediately be given authority over the entire world and deliver an earthly kingdom to God’s chosen people.

God obviously had something else in mind for the Jews - and for you!

God wants believers to work, serve God, wait patiently and even suffer, until Jesus returns.

It’s normal to avoid suffering. But Jesus tells you: Anyone who wants to be my disciple must take up her/his cross and follow me,” and St. Paul assures you (Romans 8) that if you suffer with Christ, you’ll find that it will be well worth it!

So, today, why not tell Jesus you’re willing to work, serve, wait and even suffer, when necessary?

—Joseph Sandman, Ph. D., former Vice President for Advancement at Xavier University and Loyola University Chicago, is co-authoring a book with Lee Yeazell, former Director of Campus Ministry at St. Xavier High School  (Cincinnati) that will be published in 2022 entitled: Nothing Is More Practical Than Finding God: One Of These 10 Practices Can Make This Happen For YOU!; this title is taken from the writings of Pedro Arrupe, former Secretary General of the Jesuits, who is being considered for sainthood.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve;

to give and not count the cost;
to fight and not heed the wounds,
to toil and not seek rest,

to labor and not ask for reward -
except to know that I am doing your will!

—St. Ignatius of Loyola