Daily Gospel Reflection for February 26, 2016

Today's Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

I often insert myself into the Bible stories, so when I first read this parable, I immediately identified with the Master’s servants. The Master’s servants don’t get an easy time of it – here, they are beaten, stoned, and killed. It’s entirely possible some of us could face martyrdom in the course of working for our Master, too. That’s just part of our “employment package,” and as far as I’m concerned, it’s worth it. After all, why should I pride myself better than the Son, who met a brutal reception doing His Father’s business?

But, I also identify with the wicked tenants who are out to defraud the Landowner, even to the point of committing murder. How often have I sought to defraud my Master, volitionally or out of simple carelessness? How many times have I held something back – some resource, some part of myself? “This isn’t important, it’s only this little bit of money,” I try to hoard, or, “I can’t help this person, I have to look out for myself, here,” as I turn my back on a need presenting itself to me.

The fact is, the Master owns me. He bought me on that Cross. There is no “mine” – it’s all His, to command, to delegate, to collect. . .to harvest as He sees fit.

Ponder:

Have I given my all to my Master? Is there anything I’ve tried to except from His ownership of me?

Pray:

Heavenly Father, please help me to remember just how completely I belong to You – no exceptions, no compromises.

Copyright 2016 Laura Lowder

Laura Lowder was received into the Catholic Church in November, 2002, after more than 25 years as an evangelical Protestant. She is a Benedictine oblate and lay leader of her local oblate deanery. In addition to writing, Laura works in church music and teaches piano.