Gospel Delights!

Thursday, August 31, 2023

1 Thes 3:7-13; Mt 24:42-51

In today’s gospel, Jesus insists that we ‘stay awake.’ Beyond watchfulness, what it implies is that the fact of uncertainty that surrounds the ‘Divine Coming’ should help double our preparation. The unsureness is not a cause for relaxation but for more diligence and care in stepping up with our readiness. In this regard, it is said that the most dangerous lie of Satan is not that ‘there is no God’ but that ‘there is no rush.’ We do not have all the time in the world. The Parable of the Rich Fool is an apt reminder here for watchful readiness (Lk 12:16-21). 

Though watchfulness is an apparent theme, the allied ones are integrity and faithfulness. 

The master being away is a true test of one’s integrity. The faithful and prudent servant gets through it while the wicked servant fails. The faithful servant, because of his integrity is found worthy to manage the master’s household in his absence. In this sense, the prudent servant’s integrity is very rewarding. There goes a saying: ‘Reward for work well done is more work.’ The servant with integrity is also faithful to the duties assigned to him. 

Likewise, the parable also contains a test of one’s faithfulness to the master. When the master places a servant in charge of all his property, the burden is to prove one’s worth by being dutiful and honest. Whereas the wicked servant is happy to postpone (my master is long delayed); takes advantage of other servants by ill-treating them; and indulges in eating and drinking. The wicked servant is neither watchful nor faithful while also losing his integrity. 

Hence, Jesus’ call to be watchful is not a passive request to just be awake. But it is an invitation to actively examine our integrity and faithfulness which together enhance watchfulness. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar