Homily – 11-19-2008 – Thirty-third week in Ordinary Time - Wednesday

Our first reading today gives us the magnificent scenario of the heavenly sanctuary where one primary thing is happening: the one on the throne: GOD THE FATHER is receiving all worship, praise, honor, thanksgiving and glory as is his due – and as he commands!

The four living creatures ceaselessly do not stop exclaiming: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty! These are the very words that we shout out and proclaim at every Mass just prior to the Eucharistic Prayer! We do, in fact, join with these creatures and all the angels and saints in making this splendid acclamation!

At the same time the twenty four elders (12 patriarchs of the Old Testament and 12 Apostles of the New Testament) fall down before the one who sits on the throne and they worship him (who lives forever and ever) exclaiming: "Worthy are you, Lord, our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created." This act of supreme homage reminds us all that of ourselves we are nothing! – but because of God's grace and mercy – we can have everything – meaning what is truly all: life on high forever with God and the angels and saints!

In the gospel passage today we have St. Luke's version of the parable of the talents we heard on Sunday from St. Matthew. In this version 10 gold coins were given to 10 servants with the specific instructions to "engage in trade with until the master returns."

When the master returned some came forward saying: "sir, your ten coins have earned an additional ten," to which the master replied "well done good and faithful servant – you have been faithful in small matters – take ten cities!" Some returned five additional coins and were given five cities. But the one who simply returned the coins with no profit nor interest was scolded by the master: "you knew I was a demanding man, you could have at least put the money in the bank so that I could have interest on it."

The coins were then taken from him and given to the one who had ten. When those standing there thought this unfair, Jesus replied: to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Which means: think about it!

Jesus said this on the way to Jerusalem where he would be crucified in a few days! He would be fulfilling the wishes of the one who sat on the heavenly throne! He would be doing this out of great love for us! This parable was Jesus way of saying that for those who accepted his teachings, and invested them in the economy of their daily lives, especially a deep understanding of his upcoming death (and resurrection), so much more would be given when it was all played out completely; but those who had refused to really understand and invest what was given them for their own good, would indeed lose what little they even thought they had!
And it would not be able to be recovered – ever! These are strong words: but they are true words. Jesus is saying: my entire life from the moment of my birth until my death and resurrection is filled with events and actions and realities that are essentially important for you and your spiritual life and future! You must make a decision: yes, I believe this and will try to use the gifts; or no thank you, I will take my chances on my own! There are no other alternatives!

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord!