Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Are You Talking to Me?

In today’s Gospel Jesus talks about being prepared, using the parable of the servants waiting for their master’s return from a wedding. Parables usually have a surprise twist and this one is no exception. Jesus pictures the master coming back at a late hour and finding the servants ready for him. The master is so pleased that he begins to wait on the servants—he serves them a meal. (I can almost hear the disciples saying, “No way!”)
Peter is a man who is not afraid to speak up or ask a question. That may be one of the reasons Jesus made him the head of the apostles. Perhaps Peter was thinking, “Surely we will be prepared when Jesus comes again. He must be talking about the rest of the people.” When he asks Jesus whom the parable is meant for, Jesus ignores him! At least it seems that way at first. Jesus expands on the theme of readiness by describing the servant who took advantage of the master’s absence—he will be punished severely. To answer Peter’s question, Jesus warns that the servant who knew his duties would be punished more than one who was ignorant of those expectations. Peter and the disciples should have seen themselves as the servants who knew what was expected.
That warning is one for us to hear also. We may look down on non-Christians or wonder if they will get to heaven. But the Lord doesn’t expect as much from those who don’t know God. Instead of judging them, we would be better off looking at ourselves. Am I serious about my faith, serious enough to show it in my actions? Has my good example ever brought a non-believer to the Church? If I can see Jesus in someone who doesn’t know the Lord, the respect I show that person could draw them to believe.
There are examples of this even in your own parish. If you have been in the parish for many years, you could be expected to notice a newcomer more readily. How do you welcome them? Do you get so comfortable with your friends that you don’t think about reaching out to a visitor? I think Jesus would expect those of us who feel at home in our church to make an effort to bring new members into our circle. “So how much does Jesus expect of me?” The answer could be in how well you know Jesus.
Tom Schmidt

Short Version

In today’s Gospel Jesus talks about being prepared, using the parable of the servants waiting for their master’s return from a wedding. Parables usually have a surprise twist and this one is no exception. Jesus pictures the master coming back at a late hour and finding the servants ready for him. The master is so pleased that he begins to wait on the servants—he serves them a meal. (I can almost hear the disciples saying, “No way!”)
Perhaps Peter was thinking, “Surely we will be prepared when Jesus comes again. He must be talking about the rest of the people.” To answer Peter’s question, Jesus warns that the servant who knew his duties would be punished more than one who was ignorant of those expectations. Peter and the disciples should have seen themselves as the servants who knew what was expected.
That warning is one for us to hear also. We may look down on non-Christians or wonder if they will get to heaven. But the Lord doesn’t expect as much from those who don’t know God. Instead of judging them, we would be better off looking at ourselves. Am I serious about my faith, serious enough to show it in my actions? Has my good example ever brought a non-believer to the Church?
There are examples of this even in your own parish. If you have been in the parish for many years, you could be expected to notice a newcomer more readily. How do you welcome them? “So how much does Jesus expect of me?” The answer could be in how well you know Jesus.
Tom Schmidt