10-Nov-15

Gospel LK 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
Reflection:
"When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
Jesus tells his followers and us that we should not expect to be rewarded for simply doing what is expected of us.
As followers of Christ we are called to a higher standard. We should not be satisfied with simply doing the required minimum, but should strive to go above and beyond "what we were obliged to do.’”
Peter, considering himself magnanimous in his willingness to forgive others, said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22
Jesus uses other extreme examples to make his point about how his followers should behave.
Normally, one would be considered the model of restraint by not hitting someone in return after being struck.
Jesus, however, tells us that not only should we not retaliate, but we should "turn the other cheek." Luke 6:29.
It is a good thing to lend to a person in need, yet Jesus says, "If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again..... do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return." Luke 6:34-35
Christ always calls us to a higher standard.
What holds us back from being overly generous with our time, talent and treasure?
Is it fear that we will run short? Is it fear that others will take advantage of our generosity?
Christ says "Fear not." He calls us to be generous, as our Father in Heaven is generous.
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." Malachi 3:10