Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 499

He replied, ‘I tell you,
to everyone who has, more will be given,
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king,
bring them here and slay them before me.’”

We can wonder about the impact of the last line of Jesus' parable on those who heard it. Perhaps they expected that kind of simple minded ruthlessness from their kings and tyrants. Why would he not dispatch of them immediately upon his return home? This vindictive king had the authority to protect his own interests and the delegation that had tried to sabotage his appointment was, at best, a nuisance. "Business is business." he might have said to anyone who questioned his judgment. 

But it's a chilling story nonetheless. Saint Luke tells us the story was told as they approached Jerusalem and the business that had to be tended there.
The disciples, no doubt, had misgivings about the venture. They knew it was dangerous to be associated with Jesus. Was it equally dangerous not to be associated with him?
What is the cost of discipleship?

The challenge today is to take our religion seriously. It is not a hobby or a pastime. It is more important than one's political party. It requires time, intentionality, effort and sacrifice. It should be regarded as a matter of life and death.

I once asked a Veteran if he missed being in Iraq. He said he didn't want to go back, but it had a certain appeal. Life is intense in the war zone. You don't know if you will see another day. You don't know if your buddies will survive. Danger is everywhere; no place is safe. Every trip might be your last. Combat focuses the mind and the body and the military unit like nothing else. Drill are only rehearsals. War games are fantasy.

Can we bring the same focus into the life of prayer? Can we stand before the Just Judge and recall the stories, adventures, misadventures, opportunities (accepted, missed and rejected) and flat-out sins of our life? Can we reach out in love to our family, friends, neighbors, fellow workers and enemies with the wide open arms of a crucifix?

The ruler in Jesus' story graciously, enthusiastically rewards the servant who carried out his duties with his own rapacious spirit.

Jesus is not cruel, vindictive or arbitrary in his rule. He is serious. Focused. Intent on his mission to Jerusalem. We must go with him.