RBWords

     When is a gift more than a gift?  Some "gifts" bring a challenge with them that demands accountability!  We use the expression, "with strings attached," to describe gifts like this!  However, the very nature of certain gifts demands their use for the benefit of others and not just for selfish satisfaction or gain!  When it is a matter of life and death, the demand may be extreme!  This may help us to understand the parable in today's gospel.  Jesus is trying to discourage his disciples from thinking that somehow he is going to establish a new political/religious "kingdom" when they get to Jerusalem!  The parable focuses on a longer future and on the duty of the disciples to make good use of the gift of faith until the Lord returns.  The image is an economic or mercantile one, but the message is clear.  The important task is preach the gospel and make it bear fruit.  

     The broad picture of Luke's story is spread out over the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.  The faith begins in Galilee, moves to the center of Jewish faith - Jerusalem - and from there after Pentecost to the known "civilized" - i.e. Roman - world, ending with St. Paul in Rome!  We have the benefit of history to help us understand that context, but the situation is no different for us!  We have received our own portion of the coin of faith!  What are we doing with it?  How shall we render an accounting?  Is anyone else a better Christian because of our own witness?  AMEN