Today’s scripture: Luke 19:11-27 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
Just when I think I know the ins and outs of a bible story, I am surprised by it. The parable in today’s passage is one I have read or heard taught dozens of times in my life. So, I thought I knew exactly where Hector was going with the discussion on this text. It was an MCC prospective clergy retreat and Hector, one of the retreat leaders, was about to share his thoughts on the role of MCC as seen through the message of this parable.
I think I have usually seen this story from the perspective of the nobleman. I have even referred to this story to show the importance of sound investment and not wasting one’s talents. While I do believe in the importance of sound investment and the benefit to all the earth when our talents are fully engaged, I no longer see that as this parable’s primary message. Instead, I see a call from the Messiah to advocate justice and I hear God’s heart beating for those on the underside.
When Hector introduced this story to us, he asked us to consider what it meant that a delegation went after the nobleman to protest the additional power he was about to receive. He asked us to wonder why the third slave might have buried the money out of fear, and why the nobleman would kill all those who previously protested him. And why would we want to emulate someone who said, “to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away”?
As I began processing all these things in my head, a new understanding of this story came to life for me. I began to hear Jesus as he spoke out against the type of wealth and power that causes harm to others. I began to hear him speak about the slave who hid that one pound, not as one who had failed in his task, but rather as the one who made the best choice his conscience would allow him to make. I heard the call to justice for those who have nothing and are being robbed by those who have more. For the first time, this parable became alive to me.
So, as I reflect on these words today, I am still moved by the call Jesus made in this parable. I love him even more every time I think about these words. When it wasn’t popular, Jesus spoke out against the systems and structures that kept the rich in power at the expense of the poor. He told stories like this one that surely has as much meaning now as it did then.
By his words I am challenged to think about the ways in which I have contributed to the cause of the nobleman. Am I investing in companies that help the rich get richer at the expense of the poor? Am I using the earth’s resources in a responsible way so that there is enough for everyone for generations to come? Am I supporting causes or organizations that seek justice for all people?
My prayer is that I will, one day, be as brave as that third slave and refuse to participate in what I feel is unjust.
Thought for the day: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.