33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 19th November 2023.
Lectionary Readings:
Zephaniah 1 v7, 12-18; Psalm 90 v1-8,12; 1 Thessalonians 5 v1-11; Matthew 25 v14-30.
Investment returns.
The gospel reading this week is another parable on the theme of the Kingdom. “The Kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned”. (Matthew 25 v14).
The characters in the story and their actions are intended to get us thinking about the Kingdom and what matters to God.
So, if we imagine that ‘the man who went away’ is God and that we are his servants, charged with stewardship of the earth, then the challenge to each of us comes into focus.
God created us and has given humankind responsibility for looking after the planet. (Genesis 1 v27).
We humans are the most intelligent of all God’s creatures. We have been given the ability to think, decide, prioritize, plan and perform complex tasks.
As disciples, God has invited us to be partners with his Son. (see 1 Cor 1 v9).
God has blessed each of us with a unique set of talents and abilities. (see 1 Cor 12; Romans 12 v6).
Is it not reasonable then for God to expect some form of return on his investment in us?
I think that Jesus is encouraging his listeners (and us) to take risks for the common good and not be ‘risk adverse’ as the third servant was.
After all, “The man knew what each servant could do.” (Matthew 25 v15).
I think that Jesus, in telling this story, invites us to examine our own conscience on this matter.
A prayer written by Clive Marsh, quoted in “The Earth is the Lord’s”.
(Methodist Prayer Handbook 2020/2021).
Creator God, we know that the world is not ours, and yet we behave as if it is.
We know that we have too often exploited the earth’s resources when it is our responsibility to care for them and to use them wisely.
We know that too few of us hold on to too many resources when it is vital that we share them fairly and justly.
Guide our thoughts and decisions, so that we may act for the good of your creation and for the well-being of all creatures and live in anticipation of your coming kingdom.
Amen.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.