Parable of the Pounds

Saturday, March 31 – Read Luke 19:11-26

Jesus is almost ready to enter Jerusalem and according to Luke, some expect that this will be the end of the world as we know it and the full dawning of the kingdom of God. However, Jesus is aware of their expectations and wants to help them accept that this will not happen. So he tells them this parable of a very rich man who goes away on a long trip, putting his servants in charge of his affairs. He gives them very large amounts of money to invest on his behalf while he is gone. None know when he will return, but two servants get to work right away, while the third simply takes his master’s money and buries it in a hole, so as not to lose any. When finally the master does return, he is happy with the servants who have used his capital to make more, but very unhappy with the servant who has done nothing.

Reflection Questions: What “capital” has God entrusted to you? What are the chief personal gifts and resources that you feel God is expecting you to use on God’s behalf? How are you doing with them?

Prayer: Thank you, God, for all you trust me to use on your behalf. Give me the wisdom and energy I need to create the love, justice and peace that Jesus seeks. Amen.