I sometimes think we’d be better off if somehow we could read our readings backwards! Inevitably we are left with the strongest impression from what comes at the end. If these were speeches or homilies that would be appropriate – any experienced speaker knows to finish with the thought that she or he wants to leave in the mind of the listener. However our readings, of course, are extracts from longer material and don’t always divide into neat sections that work in that way.
The Gospel reading today (Luke 12:32-48) may leave us with a sense of threat or alarm at the strongly worded warnings that Jesus gives about servants who behave badly. That likely blocks out the beginning of this passage where Jesus says: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” What follows on must be read keeping that gentle and comforting spirit in mind.
Because we need not fear, then it’s only natural to stop worrying about possessions and give things away to others. Because the kingdom is both something we already have but also something to look forward to, it is natural to wait in expectation – just as one will look forward to the return of a friend or partner with whom a relationship is already established.
And the badly behaved servant – how does he fit in? Peter’s question provides the context. The answer is not spelt out but surely Jesus is directing these comments at Peter and his colleagues rather than to people in general. The servants entrusted with much are indeed the apostles and their successors the bishops, and others in positions of authority. We can certainly see how those people have not always lived up to the demands of the kingdom, taking as just one recent example the terrible failure of the Church in Canada in regard of the treatment of indigenous people, as recognized in the Pope’s recent visit.
So we may breathe a sigh of relief that Jesus doesn’t have us in his sights when he spells out the consequences of failure of those in authority. But we can also reflect that servants who are left in charge are operating in an environment formed by the people around. The failure of the Church in Canada was a failure of the society as a whole, insofar as the Church was reflecting the attitudes and expectations of the majority of those with power and influence. Insofar as we are concerned to maintain our position, our possessions, our comfort on this earth, we are not living in the kingdom. Then we are part of the problem, whether it be in the treatment of indigenous peoples, the environment, those of different color, beliefs, lifestyle – in any situation where we seek to maintain our own advantage versus others. Then we share in the failure of the servants who have been entrusted with much and who will be called to account.
But to return to the beginning, Jesus is not trying to guide us by our fear of failure. Quite the opposite. He says: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”