Daily Gospel Reflection
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November 20, 2019
While people were listening to Jesus speak, 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 servants, and gave them ten gold coins, 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 servants, 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 gold coin has made ten more coins.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’
“Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your coin has made five more.’ He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’
“Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your gold coin. 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 servant! 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 gold coin from him and give it to the one who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten coins!’
“He replied, ‘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.
What talents have I been blessed with? Do I use these talents to increase God’s work ten fold, five fold—or worse, do I squander them?
It is easy to be critical of ourselves. I often find myself marveling at the talents of others, impressed by their ability to follow their passion, their success at creating great achievements that brighten our lives, their ability to give up something that I just can’t picture my life without. Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing all I should be doing with my life.
Everywhere, we can find people who lack what they need for flourishing. I often feel paralyzed by my inability to make a big enough impact as urgently as I feel I should.
At the beginning of this gospel, Luke shares with us the reasoning for Jesus’ parable: “they supposed that the Kingdom of God was to appear immediately.” I can’t help but hear in this parable God telling me to stay the course and to be diligent in the tasks appointed to me.
Relationships with family, friends, colleagues and God all come with a variety of responsibilities. When I look at them I realize that each provides a unique opportunity to foster a blessing. I can choose to invest into the relationship and add to it, or squander the opportunity and let it sit idle. The contentment that comes from juggling a day that asks me to give more of myself and act in service to others brings fulfillment and often opens new doors.
Maybe we will be called to make a big sacrifice today. Perhaps our actions will help enable others to say yes to their calling when the time comes. We might be called to serve in way that we never fully understand. None of these will occur, though, unless we allow God to rule over our lives, and learn to take care of the blessings we have already been granted.
Prayer
We believe, O Lord, that you are consummate fairness. You know all the circumstances in our lives, our strengths and our weaknesses. We have been given the gift of life in our birth and the gift of your spiritual life in our baptism. Help us, we plead, to give back our self to you as you gave us of your very self in eternal life.
Saint of the Day
St. Edmund Rich had a personal sanctity that faithfully guided his dealings with the most powerful people on earth. He was unafraid to speak the truth, whether to the king of England or the pope, and he was often at odds with both.
St. Edmund was born in 1180 and studied at Oxford and in Paris; he was the first Master of Arts at Oxford. He was known for a faithfulness that matched his diligent study. He taught art and mathematics until he received a vision from his deceased mother, who encouraged him to study theology.
After receiving his doctorate in theology, he was ordained a priest and went on to teach theology and hold significant posts in the university’s administration. He was the first to teach Aristotle at Oxford, and took great interest in his students, especially if they were poor or sick. Today's featured image shows a bronze statue of St. Edmund that stands at Oxford.
Edmund dedicated almost all of his income to the poor or to the Church–he often fell into need himself because of his generosity, and his superiors scolded him for not saving more for his own support.
He was known as an eloquent speaker and effective preacher–miracles and conversions accompanied his speaking. He was also an expert in spirituality and constantly encouraged the faithful to pray. Speaking on how we ought to pray, he said:
“A hundred thousand people are deceived by multiplying prayers. I would rather say five words devoutly with my heart, than 5,000 which my soul does not relish with affection and intelligence.”
He was known for his great self-discipline: under his clothes, he wore a sackcloth pressed close to his skin by metal plates, and he slept only a few hours at night in order to spend time in prayer and meditation. On one occasion, he was observed levitating, rapt in prayer.
In 1233 he was named Archbishop of Canterbury against his wishes. He advised King Henry III and presided at the king’s confirmation of the Magna Carta in 1237. Edmund was at the center of relations between Rome and England, and spoke truth to power on both sides. He admonished the king for having favorites in his court, and traveled to Rome to urge reforms in the Church.
Because he was so truthful and did not vary from what he saw as just and right, many people found him inconvenient. Political movements forced Edmund’s resignation in 1240, and he moved to France and became a monk. He died later that year, and miracles at his grave were reported soon after his burial. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
St. Edmund Rich, you spoke truth to both the king and the pope—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Edmund Rich is in the public domain. Last accessed October 18, 2024 on Wikimedia Commons.
