Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 22nd November 2023

Today’s Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 19: 11-29) contains a parable very similar to the Parable of the Talents that we heard from Matthew’s Gospel last Sunday. There are similarities, but they are also quite different and Luke’s parable seems to be made up of two separate parables that have somehow been conflated. This isn’t the place to discuss the many points of difference and similarity, interesting as they are, but you could look up a good Bible commentary or read some of the fine articles to be found online. The context in which Jesus preached the parable is also quite different. Here Jesus has left Jericho and is making his way to Jerusalem. “While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there.”

 

Jesus preaches to a crowd that is expecting the kingdom of God to be inaugurated at any moment. Their hope is for an earthly kingdom and they are convinced that Jesus will inaugurate it, but Jesus warns them that the kingdom is not “of this world” nor will it come soon. The end of the world will surely happen but not yet. What people must do in the meantime is prepare for the coming of the kingdom by investing in and working with the gifts that God has given them, symbolised by the pound mentioned in the parable. It’s interesting to note that all ten servants are given the same amount to start with; no one has an advantage over his neighbour. That might not always be true in the material or financial world, but it is true in the spiritual world. God loves each one of us equally and unconditionally and only wants what is best for us. All God wants is our salvation and that we increase the many graces he has given us in his infinite loving kindness. Lord, be with us as we walk along the road of life with you, the road that leads to your kingdom. Amen.