But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
A billboard facing east-bound traffic on I-264, north of New Albany, Indiana asks commuters, "Where are you going? Heaven or Hell?" With two more weeks before the First Sunday of Advent, the Church also calls us to consider who we are, and where we're going. Today the Lord tells us a parable about responsibility and accountability. It reminds us that the privileges of Baptism and Eucharist come with enormous responsibility.
The happiest moment occurs in the middle when the first of the master's servants reports on his successful investments: "Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more." "Well done!" the master replies. "Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy!"
He says the same thing to the successful servant who had less responsibility but doubled his profits nonetheless: "Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy!"
They’re not awarded with golden parachutes, six-month all-expense-paid vacations in the Bahamas, or a greater share in the stock portfolio. They're given greater responsibilities! And that – we should understand – is an enormous reward, a great satisfaction, and supreme pleasure. Because those who work with the Spirit of Jesus will be given greater intimacy with Our Lord and Savior.
The parable works well because, In the cutthroat world – whether we’re speaking of the first century or the twenty-first,, competent government officials and successful business partners who have proven their fidelity often find themselves out in the cold. Tyrants trust no one and least of all their closest friends; they want sycophants, toadies, flatterers, bootlickers, yes-men, brown-nosers, lackeys, fawners, parasites, lickspittles – and gorgeous women, regardless of their talent or ability.
Tyrants know that success breeds ambition and competent government officials may decide to displace the aging ruler who is no longer as strong as he thinks. Shakespeare's Richard III describes in graphic detail what happened to the Duke of Gloucester's friends, lovers, and family after they placed him on the throne of England. Two young princes disappeared in the Tower of London; their bones were found two hundred years later.
That is not how God manages his kingdom. Rather, he encourages, empowers, and endorses his best people, investing great authority in them, and trusting them even when they make egregious mistakes, listen to bad advice, or misuse their responsibility for personal gain – as in the story of King David.
The successful businessmen – to return to today's parable – worked with their Master's plan. They understood what he wanted, and why they had been entrusted with so much. And they proved themselves worthy of greater trust.
The fool did not. He was obsessed with fear of the Master. Rather than risking the master's displeasure he buried his responsibility in the ground, and then returned it - in a worm-eaten filthy sack -- when the master came home.
Fear is stupid and does stupid things. We’ve seen that time and again, especially after 9/11 and during the COVID epidemic.
You remember what Jesus said about salt that becomes unsavory; it is thrown out and trampled underfoot. In today's story, the coward was thrown into the darkness outside, where there is wailing and grinding of teeth.
If the world despises sycophants, toadies, yes-men, brown-nosers, and parasites we can suppose the Lord does too. He wants disciples who will joyfully, eagerly take up the responsibilities they're given as Christians and Catholics in every walk of life. Whether they are parents, teachers, priests, or catechists; volunteers or paid employees, they don't work for pension, pay, or perks. They work because they love their work and they love the Lord who gave them work to do. And when they screw up – as we all do – they immediately turn to the Lord, confidently asking for his forgiveness, forbearance, and further instruction.
The billboard overlooking Interstate 264 asks, “Where are you going? To heaven or to hell?” We know the answer to that question, not only because we’re baptised, made first communion, and go to Church; but because each day we take up the responsibilities we have been given, and we collaborate with the Lord and his Church. And we anticipate the Lord’s pleasure when he says to us:
Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
