Monday April 15

Matthew 24:45-51

Marilyn Shardlow

“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.

As a child, I vividly remember reading a tattered old book over and over again entitled “If Jesus Came to My House.”  It fascinated me — the notion that Jesus might actually show up at my front door! I knew that if he did, I would be just like the narrator of the poem—all cleaned up, organized, warmhearted, and brimming with thoughts of lovely things to show Him. I would be prepared.

In truth, unexpected visitors can often disrupt our routines, make us feel disorganized, or bring out the habits we most dislike about ourselves. Jesus asks for a kind of faithfulness which seems almost impossible in these times of frantic schedules and worldly distractions.  How can we be the faithful servants who abide in his love ALL the time, not just when it is convenient? The faithful servant represents those who “take care” all of the time, even when no one is watching. The unfaithful servant ignores and sullies the abundant gifts God has provided, and he makes a mockery of God’s goodness. HIs hypocrisy is quickly seen by his Master.

In Joan Gale’s poem, she stresses the narrator’s childlike joy in welcoming Jesus.  There’s something so wholehearted about the way he sings, “If Jesus came to my house, I’d run right down the stairs, the door would open wide, and I would say to Jesus, ‘Oh, won’t you come inside?’ ”  Perhaps during this Lenten season, despite the untidiness of our souls, we can do the same.

Questions for reflection:

• What kind of moments in your life help you to refocus and recommit to your faith in Jesus?

• As Easter Sunday approaches, how can you be a better steward of your time and talents?

Prayer:

Dear God, let me be the wise and faithful servant for today and for the days to come.  Amen.