October 24, 2017

Gospel: Lk 12:35-38
Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding. As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open the door to him. Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron, and have them sit at table, and he will wait on them. Happy are those servants, if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak!

REFLECTION:
In the gospel of Luke, this current parable and other ‘servant‘ parables have an ecclesiological interpretation. There are two important Greek words that the evangelist used: doulos and oikonomos. Both the terms doulos (‘servant,‘ ‘slave‘) and oikonomos (‘steward,‘) refer to the one who renders service to the Christian community. These terms connote that the officials of the community are called to be faithful to their responsibility. As leaders, they must avoid causing problems within the church.
The responsible performance of the obligation to the community is not just meant for the leaders themselves. All Christians are called to be vigilant and be prepared always. If we faithfully do our duties as Christians (as parents, children, parishioners, ministers, etc.) we will receive the promised reward. Jesus assures us by saying, ”Truly, I tell you, he will put on apron, and have them sit at the table, and he will wait on them.” (v.37) ”This role reversal is significant and underscores God‘s absolute gratuity. The servant who is faithful during the time of fulfillment before the parousia will share in the eschatological banquet.” (Karris, 704)
If we have the readiness to serve the Christian community; willingness to contribute for the welfare of the Church; carefulness to avoid causing harm to the church members and officials; we will be like those people who are ”ready, dressed for service and with lamps lit,” waiting for the master‘s return from the wedding.