Thirty-third Sunday Ordinary

Thirty-third Sunday Ordinary
November 13, 2005

"... Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize... Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her..." (Proverbs 13). " For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." (Matthew 25:14-30).

Jesus tells a puzzling parable about two servants who invest their master's considerable wealth, doubling his income and earning his trust. A third person, given less because he had less ability, hides the money out of fear, making no profit for the master. The first two are rewarded, the third is deprived of what little he had. Hardly seems fair, this poor guy was just being careful. The lesson seems to contradict most of what Jesus usually said about the rich and poor.

If the master is the Most High and the gifts of the Spirit, then the story encourages us to take chances with what we have been loaned, and give back more than we receive, increasing its "value". The principle is as true in the realm of the spirit as it is economics and finance. No risk, no reward. We risk losing everything in the hope of spiritual fullness now and in eternity. The first two servants are wise in the way of the spirit. The third is excluded because of being either too cautious or too lazy with the gift of God's life.

A friend of mine has an interesting alternative interpretation. The "master" and the money is the politics and economics of power and wealth, the third servant becomes the hero of the story by refusing to play the game and being excluded from the tangible rewards of "success". This person understands that profit for some often is impoverishment for others. Again no risk, no reward. Either way, the story is true. Brilliant.

Proverbs praises the "worthy wife". Whether or not this is a politically correct sentiment, I am especially touched by it. It can as easily be applied to the male half of the partnership. Perhaps it is only after more than 35 years of marriage, and being tested by a debilitating illness which has profoundly changed the carefree retirement we thought was in our future, that I fully appreciate Jane's willingness and personal strength to go through this together. It seems that we have both decided to risk it all for the sake of something more permanent and satisfying. We have not had to wait for some "afterlife" to receive back what we were willing to lose. I do not hesitate to compare her favorably to this ideal spouse of old. Consider this my "city gate" where I announce her virtues publicly. She is my divine gift and undeserved reward. My goal is to be hers as well.