Last Sunday’s Gospel warned us about the foolishness of placing our trust in possessions. The rich farmer who hoarded his harvest lost everything in an instant. Today, Jesus continues the conversation — but with a surprising invitation: “Do not be afraid.” Why begin with this? Because what he proposes challenges our instincts. It’s not about religious rituals or devotions; it’s about how we handle our possessions, money, and talents—things we deeply cling to.
Jesus addresses his “little flock,” the ones who truly follow him, not the crowds. To these trusted friends, He proposes a radical investment: not in stocks or storage, but in love. He urges us to use our possessions not for hoarding, but for serving. To give generously is not reckless; it is wise. Why? Because only love —lived through charity — cannot be stolen or devalued. Houses, lands, and wealth may pass, but acts of love echo eternally in God’s kingdom.
Jesus illustrates this with a parable: a master leaves his house for a wedding feast and entrusts it to his servants. These servants must remain alert, with their lamps lit and tunics tied, ready to serve. The house is the Christian community, made up not of lords or bosses, but of servants. There is no room for titles or self-importance — only service. The Christian must always be ready — not for their own gain — but to respond in love when others knock.
And when the master returns? A stunning reversal: he serves the servants. This is the heart of the Gospel. God, in Jesus, is not a distant master but a servant who wipes our tears, who comes not to take but to give. This image overturns all human ideas of power.
But Jesus warns us, too: the thief will come. Not death, necessarily —but opportunities that arrive suddenly and test whether we’re ready to give. A poor person asking for help. A chance to forgive. A call to serve. If we’ve used our treasures well, there will be nothing left for the thief to take — because we’ve already invested them in love.
To those entrusted with more —leaders, pastors, ministers — Jesus speaks plainly. They are not masters, but stewards. Their job is to nourish the community with care and humility. Yet there is danger here too: pride, power, negligence. When leaders forget they are servants, they betray their calling. Jesus uses harsh language — not to condemn — but to awaken us to the weight of responsibility that comes with knowledge of the Gospel.
Today’s Gospel challenges all of us: Where is your treasure? What are you doing with what God has entrusted to you?
Let us not fear giving. Let us not delay loving. Let us stay awake, with lamps lit and hearts ready. In every knock on the door, in every face of need, it is Christ who comes.
And blessed — yes, truly blessed — are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
