The Treasure of my Heart
The Gospel today follows directly on from last Sunday’s reflection on possessions. Jesus assures us of his confidence in the words “there is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased the Father to give you the kingdom”. Wealth in the kingdom is not about material things. The Kingdom is about a ‘treasure that will not fail’, and a purse that will not wear out or be destroyed by moths. Security is about the kingdom values. “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”
This verse would be enough for a Sunday reflection. We could reflect on our treasures. Possessions, family, hobbies and friends are all important parts of our life. It has pleased the Father to give us the Kingdom. Where does the Kingdom stand in our order of values?
Jesus gives us the Parable of the Master’s Return. We are expected to be ready at any hour. This Parable appears in the other Gospels. The difference in this one is the ending that the Master will sit down and eat with the vigilant servant. “You must stand ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect”.
Peter asks for an explanation, or rather perhaps for an exemption! “Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone”? Jesus clearly states that even more will be expected of Peter and us. To the loyal ones “he will place him over everything he owns”. The unfaithful ones will be “cut off and sent to the same place as the unfaithful”.
Luke in this passage only hints at the ‘end times’. His focus is more on the NOW. Service in the Kingdom is a 24/7 duty. It demands constant readiness and vigilance. It has duties and it has rewards. “When a man has a great deal given him on trust, “even more will be expected of him”.