29th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday– 19th October 2022 — Gospel: Lk 12,39-48
Being Responsible Stewards
The parable focuses on the ministry of leadership and responsibility in the community. The disciples are compared to domestic stewards who are charged with various duties over God’s household (12,32; 22,29-30). Their roles of leadership and special service will be judged based on their faithfulness in carrying out this ministry. However, there is the degree of responsibility that has been entrusted to each one in the community (12,48). The distribution of food is singled out as one of their responsibilities (Acts 6,1). One who is prudent and faithful in dealing with others will be rewarded with additional responsibilities. He is the leader who has the capacity to recognize the signs of the times and act accordingly. Those who fail in their responsibilities, taking advantage of their position, will be judged harshly. They are those who abuse their fellow servants, who eat and drink, who are careless about the Master’s arrival. These leaders are disobedient, faithless, self-indulgent and negligent in their duties. The servant-leaders of Christ’s church must serve with one eye looking for Jesus’ return and the other searching for ways of carrying out their responsibilities, knowing that they must give an account of their service.
