Reflection for Wednesday, November 22, 2000: 33rd week in Ordinary Time.

Abstract

Today's scriptures are truly a mixed bag. Revelation gives a beautiful description of God in his glory and those who worship Him. The Psalm is full of praise for the Lord. And Luke is convicting to the point of being a little frightening.|In Revelation, a beautiful description of God on his throne in heaven is given. Strange creatures worship God constantly crying "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." The Psalmist tells us that we are to "praise the Lord." "Praise him for his acts of power." "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."|And then comes Luke. So much for beautiful images. In this parable, the master leaves to be crowned king. He is followed by a delegation that does not want him crowned. And the master leaves differing sums of money with three servants. The first two servants invest wisely. The last servant, given the least amount, hides the money. When the master returns this is the servant that is cursed and the money is taken away from him and given to another servant. "To everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away." How does this square with "the meek shall inherit the earth?" My initial thoughts were that I'm like the last servant. I'm not the risk-taking type and I would probably hide the money. This is a little frightening. However, on second review of this parable, my take was a little different. Each of us is given a gift from God. One of my gifts is teaching Sunday School. I have to make a choice as to whether I will take a risk and utilize this gift or whether I will bury it. And recently God gave me an incredible reward for using, instead of burying, my gift.|When Joel was three, he was diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder. He had horrible seizures on a daily basis and his parents were told he would not live out the year. People in my church prayed fervently for Joel. We had a special service where we laid hands on Joel and prayed for his healing. Then Joel was put on a special diet. Also, Joel was fitted with a pacemaker that sends electric signals to his brain to help control the seizures. My reward came on Sunday when we sang happy birthday to Joel, who is now a member of my second grade Sunday School class. Joel's smile could charm the angels. What an incredible miracle! What an awesome God we worship! Like the Psalmist says, "Praise God for his acts of power."