The multiple challenges of Servants

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Third Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:11-28*

*First Reading : Rv 4:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*The multiple challenges of Servants*

*1) The Three Servants*

The parable highlights the mission of three servants, whom the noble man or the King chose, when he left to earn his kingship 

The nobleman gave them some talents and asked them to use it and to multiply the same 

On the one hand these servants were fortunate since the nobleman chose them for a great mission, at the same time there were also challenges involved in carrying out the mission 

*2) The opposition from the Citizens*

The opposition starts from the citizens since these were the servants of the nobleman

First of all the citizens opposed the nobleman by rejecting him to be their King. 

Naturally they also opposed the servants of the nobleman when they started to work on the talents which were given to them by nobleman 

*3) Risk factor of the Servants*

There was a great risk for the servants while investing the talents 

The opposite group might come and destroy the whole thing

The project may fail, and there is a possibility of losing the talent 

In a way the whole atmosphere was very much challenging for the mission 

*4) The servants Reactions*

Among three servants two took the risk to invest the talents in spite of all the challenges. In other words they faced all the challenges and took the great risk 

The third one was not ready to face the challenge and to take risk in investing the talent 

So he buried the talent to preserve it safe and to return to the nobleman

While others worked on it and they multiplied talents  

*5) Reward and punishment*

Those servants who took the risk and made profit, were rewarded for their leadership. They were given multiple responsibilities

The third one was punished for his laziness and cowardliness. 

*6) We are chosen servants*

In the present day context we are the chosen servants of the Nobleman - Jesus Christ

There are many who oppose the teachings of Jesus and his divineship

Such people also oppose the mission of the servants of Jesus 

Today we are feeling the pinch of this situation in our surroundings 

In such situations, like the first two servants we need face the challenges and take risk in doing our mission 

Even though our mission is met with the opposition, things will continue, because it is The Lord who is working in and through us 

Never to become like the third servant who buried not only the talent but also the entire life, which could not produce any fruit 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*