29th Week in Ordinary Time 2021 - Wednesday - Is this parable meant for us or everyone?

 “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”

This parable about consequences for servants being negligent in their duties seems to be aimed particularly at the apostles. After all, they have some serious responsibilities in caring for the master’s house, the Church. 

The bishop, St. Ambrose wrote, that this parable: seems to be set before priests, whereby they know that they will suffer severe punishment…if intent on worldly pleasure, they have neglected to govern the Lord’s household and the people entrusted to them.”

And yet, are there really any parables in the Gospels that aren’t applicable to everyone? If we are reflecting on a parable, and think, he’s probably not talking about me, you better read it again.

By virtue of our baptism, we all have a certain responsibility in the Lord’s household. We are all servants with responsibilities. Spouses have responsibilities for each other and for their children. Consecrated religious have responsibilities to fulfill their vows. Single people have to keep the commandments just like everyone else. So, this parable, like all the parables, are meant for everyone.

Now, there are a lot of Christians these days, perhaps even bishops, the successors of the apostles, who believe they will get special treatment on judgment day—a free pass, perhaps, for all the hard work, for their sparkling personalities. There’s a tendency to act as if we are special, or above the laws of God. 

St. Paul clarified this point in his letter to the Romans, when he said each and everyone will give an account to God at his judgment. God’s love for us is universal, the invitation to repent and believe is universal, but so is the fact that all will be judged.

We will be judged on the basis of our faith in the Lord, the measure of our love for Him, our neighbors, the poor, and our enemies. Did we extend mercy as we have been shown mercy? We will be judged based on our knowledge of the Lord's wishes and the particular tasks he gave us. And, we will be particularly judged based on how we used the talents the Lord has given to us.

This parable is certainly a call to conversion, a call to ensure that our single endeavor is to live for their lord in faithfulness to responsibilities he has given to us and the time that we have been given, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That religious indifference in our country and around the world may be transformed to radical commitment to the Gospel of Christ.

For the transformation of all attitudes which lead to war, violence, racial hatred, and religious persecution.

For the conversion of Atheists, hardened sinners, the religiously indifferent, lapsed Catholics, and the conversion of all hearts.

“That our parishes, animated by a missionary spirit, may be a place where faith is communicated and charity is seen.”

That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering. 

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.