Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
The focus in the parable of the servants who have been entrusted with their master’s money often seems to rest on the unfortunate fate of the servant who failed to do the master’s will. While certainly an essential and noteworthy part of the tale, I would recall our attention to the two faithful servants. Consider the context that they are operating within. The nobleman who has entrusted them with his riches has left for a distant country. What’s more, we are told that for some reason this same nobleman was apparently unpopular enough with his fellow citizens that many were actively campaigning against his obtaining office.
The servants entrusted with their master’s money would have been in a very precarious and uncertain situation. Apart from his promise, they had no guarantee when the master would return or if he would return at all. Additionally, working on behalf of a person who was that unpopular would have been risky. They would have to have remained firm in their conviction of the mission and would have needed to operate with a degree of wisdom and prudence to accomplish their task. Interestingly, even the plight of the unfaithful servant takes on new meaning in this light. Not knowing when (or even if) the master would return and lacking the conviction and courage necessary to persevere in faithful service, this servant did nothing.
The allegory in this parable is as relevant for us today as it would have been for the first disciples. Christ has risen from the dead and entrusted us with the riches of the Church and the Sacramental life. He has promised to come again and has given us each the task of using, investing, and multiplying this immense spiritual wealth by sharing it with others. It’s not a viable option to do nothing. Living an authentic and vibrant life of faith does come with potential difficulties and risks, but the superabundant grace of God is more than sufficient to overcome all obstacles encountered. God knows the challenges that we face in our daily lives and will always provide for us in every possible way as we work to accomplish the mission that He has entrusted to us.