The disciples were full of questions, especially when Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus’ answers to their questions help us to understand the Word of God more fully.
Jesus starts off today with the image of always being prepared, just as a homeowner must be prepared for a robbery. Vigilance and constancy are basic Christian values. A true Christian always lives life prepared for that unexpected encounter with the Lord. No fear. No procrastination. Always joyful and prepared to pass into the resurrection.
Jesus doesn’t really respond to Peter’s question. Rather he expands on the point of constancy and preparedness. He uses the image of a good, responsible steward who is always ready to answer the door when the master returns whether from a long trip or a party. Today we are used to having automatic door openers, cell phones, or doorbells to either get into the house or let someone know we are arriving. In Jesus’ times, a good steward would have to be alert to hear the knocking at the door or even sleep near the main door. Plus, the good steward would have the household and business in order.
Jesus knew that our nature in the absence of the master or boss tends towards being irresponsible and taking advantage of other workers and the business goods. How easy it is for us to put off our conversion thinking: “I have lots of time and a long life yet. I will do that later.” Jesus paints a typical image of human life without conversion: eat, drink, get drunk, abuse others, and abuse property. Jesus’ call to conversion is immediate and urgent. It is also easy of us to say: “I am a good practicing, Christian. I already did my conversion”. Yet each stage in our life calls us to a deeper conversion. It is a continual process, not just a one moment experience.
The good steward has lifelong attitudes of faithfulness, prudence, and responsibility. Jesus says in today’s Gospel that this leads to being blessed. Rather than reading this as a threat of judgement, this message from Jesus is a joy for a true Christian. We already know how we are going to be judged. We already know how to obtain a blessed life before God. Let’s take some time today to rededicate ourselves to being good stewards, to deepening our conversion and service.
For at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come…
Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants.
Image: Image: “Hand door knocker” by grongar is licensed under CC BY 2.0.