Parable for Whom

Today’s Gospel Text:  But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour." 41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" 42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. 48 But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. Luke 12:39-48

Reflection: The parables of Jesus communicate a powerful message to any listeners. Some of them are addressed to the general public, some for the scribes and Pharisees and some specifically to the disciples. 

Whom then was this Parable addressed to?

Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" (vs. 41) When Peter asks this question, he is revealing something to us.

Ultimately whom is this specific parable addressed to, is it not to those among the disciples who have been given a responsibility.

Hence the parable is a specific one for Peter and all those who are given responsibility over God’s household to minister the bread of life; to feed and quench the deep spiritual thirst of people.

 Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. (vs. 43)

Peter and company seems to have taken this message to heart after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and even exhorts themselves to likewise devote themselves to this task:
 

"And the twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:2-4

Despite the warning of Jesus, we could have servants who have taken these apostles place and who could be involved in eating and drinking and beating and persecuting the sheep under their care, even persecuting those who take this task seriously. 

Thus it must remain this way because the Lord himself warns us about it along with their rewards.

As for those who take Christ’s message seriously, they know their daily task of feeding the multitude from the Lords presence. They do it with diligence and perseverance, with a sense of urgency and generosity of heart.

Ultimately, their labor accomplished at great risk to life, will be rewarded.

Prayer: Lord, I accept the responsibility you have placed over me, help me to accomplish it faithfully trusting in you.

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