PRI Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel

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.”

Reflection

Jesus continues the image of being alert, being attentive.

And when he makes that statement, then Peter steps in and says, are you talking about us? Or are you talking about everyone?

And then Jesus lets him know. No, I'm talking about you, Peter. About you as the head of the church, about every minister who stands up and speaks my word to people. I want you to know that you must be a servant. Never someone who gets intoxicated with power and then gets drunk with power and becomes an obstacle to people finding the message that God has given you to proclaim to a longing, hungry world.

You will be held accountable.

Closing Prayer

Father, anyone who stands before others and claims to proclaim the truth that you have shared with us. Bless them that they may be open to what it is at the heart of your message that is so important and also free them from the dangers of having power, control over people. Help them only to preach your message of love. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross