Merely servants
When he sees life cut short by the will of people, the author of the book of Wisdom understands that the reward for fidelity does not always come during life. But human persons are imperishable. God will reward them after death. Death is already overcome by the way the faithful face it and so by their free act of accepting death, the just express their trust in God. They are in the hands of God.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel of today seem to be directed more to the Pharisees and scribes, who claimed to be servants of God, than to the apostles. They were self-assured servants; they computed their merits for what they had done for God and asserted their right to his rewards. Perhaps, the apostles too, were not always too modest in their claims as companions of Jesus. All should put their trust in God and leave everything to him. Not what we have done for God counts, but what he does for us in his mercy. We are in his hands.
Reading: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
God created humanity in mint condition, with his own face on the coin. The devil was envious of God; that’s how death entered the world; and those on earth who think the same as the Great Deceiver are the ones who’ll die the death of deaths.
As for the souls of the just, they’re in the hands of God; the torment of death never lays a finger on them. In the eyes of the not-so-just, the just seem to have died and gone to hell; but such affliction as they may have suffered was merely their exit fee from this world to the next. Their departure was misinterpreted as their demise; in reality they’re at peace. Yes, the just suffer as much as the unjust during the death process; but their passing is full of hope and the promise of immortality.
Such punishments as the just incur are few, but their rewards are great. God puts them to the test, and they always pass with flying colors. Like gold ore in the furnace the Lord refines them; like burnt offering from the sacrificial fire he receives them.
When it’s Final Awards Day, you’ll be able to pick them out; they’re the sparks dancing about in the harvest after death, the final, burn-the- stubble bonfire. They’ll govern the nations and lord it over nationalities; their Lord will reign forever.
Those who put their faith in the Lord will understand truth; those who are faithful will enjoy eternal rest. He showers grace and mercy on those who are committed to him. From time to time he even drops by for a personal chat with them.
Gospel: Luke 17:7-10
“Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, ‘Sit down and eat’? Wouldn’t you be more likely to say, ‘Prepare dinner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I’ve finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper’? Does the servant get special thanks for doing what’s expected of him? It’s the same with you. When you’ve done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, ‘The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.’”
Prayer
God merciful Father,
you know what is in our hearts.
Whether our intentions are good or selfish,
we leave everything
to your compassionate judgment.
But this we ask of you:
Confirm us in the will
to serve you and our people
in loyalty and love
and for the rest, we are in your hands,
for you are our God and Father
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
