Stewardship: An act of service and accountability (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 29TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

Homily for Wednesday of the 29th week in the ordinary time, year II

Eph.3:2-12; Luke 12:39-48

Stewardship: An act of service and accountability.

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in the first reading of today from the St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians. St. Paul acknowledged that it was by the special grace of God that he was made a minister of the word of God to the Gentile community. For St. Paul, his stewardship was an avenue of service, to bring the Gentiles to become sharers in the salvation availed by Christ Jesus. It was a gracious opportunity. Hence, St. Paul recommends a judicious use of gracious opportunities like such. 

In the same vein, the Gospel reading of today apparently signals the decadence prevalent within political corridor, where politicians make promises that are devoid of recurrent accountability. This is so because they do not perceive their positions as platforms of service to humanity. Hence, they act with impunity and lack of accountability. 

Friends in Christ, Jesus teaches us that a faithful servant is the one who primarily recognizes that his office is one of service. He acknowledges that God has charged him with the utmost duty to give the people “their portion of food at the proper time”. If he is found so doing, he is blessed. This is what Jesus meant by being awake and vigilant. Hence, beloved in Christ, anyone in position of leadership and authority who is not at the service of others is obviously asleep.

He explains the behaviour of the treacherous servant. Rather than serve and feed the people, he “begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk”. He is indifferent about the predicament of the community; the very crisis that could have been averted if he had done his obligation well.

Beloved in Christ, let us remember that God is a God of justice. We shall render account of our services. Jesus explained that the servant who comprehended the master’s will but did not accomplish it, shall obtain a severe beating. 

Let us not be like the politicians who make empty promises to the people, who desert their primary duty of office which is service to the people. Who rather than feed the people, are feeding themselves and inflicting punishment on the people.  Since we understand the demands of God who entrusted those offices to us, let us work ardently for the service of humanity. That as faithful servants we can render and honest account of our obligations before God and humanity. 

We pray that every act of service we render will bring us heavenly reward. Amen

Have a grace-filled day

Fr Remi osj