You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

Peter said, “Lord, did you tell this parable only for us, or for everyone?” And the Lord replied,
“Imagine, then, the wise and faithful steward, whom the master sets over his other servants,
to give them wheat at the proper time. Fortunate is this servant if his master, on coming home,
finds him doing his work. Truly, I say to you, the master will put him in charge of all his property.

But it may be that the steward thinks, ‘My Lord delays in coming,’ and he begins to abuse the
male servants and the servant girls, eating and drinking and getting drunk. Then the master
will come on a day he does not expect, and at an hour he doesn’t know. He will cut him off,
and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.

The servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare and do what his master wanted,
will be soundly beaten; but the one who does unconsciously what deserves punishment, shall
receive fewer blows. Much will be required of the one who has been given much, and more will
be asked of the one who has been entrusted with more.

Reflect:

Catholic Church is one entity that has received and continues to receive much criticism and
brickbats. Take the case of sexual abuse issue. Even when research shows that the
prevalence of sexual abuse is the least among catholic clergy in comparison with other
public and private enterprises, the world is the angriest towards the Church – and with good
reason! For, as Jesus points out today, much will be required of the one who has received much.
Given the great responsibility of spiritual and moral leadership the Church is entrusted with and the
grace given for the same, there is a greater accountability expected of her and her ministers. As they
say, Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion. The Church being the spouse of Christ must live up to
Christ’s standard. This applies not only in the affective realm but in every area of intervention;
and this applies not only to the clergy, but every Christian. For, each of us has received grace
upon grace.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2022