Slave to Obedience

Readings for Wednesday October 21, 2009

First Reading: Romans 6:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 124
Gospel: Luke 12:39-48


Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted. Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness. (Rom 6:16-18)

In today's first reading, Saint Paul discusses a choice that we all have; we can choose to become a slave to sin, or a slave to obedience. One of these leads to death, while the other leads to righteousness. Seems like a no brainer right? Well, while it may seem simple which one we should choose, it is not always so easy. Because becoming a slave to obedience means that we must must say "Lord, your will be done, not my own will." Being a slave to obedience means that we must make sacrifices, and that we must be willing to put away temporary pleasures in order to obtain everlasting life. Saint Paul is wise to warn us of this, because unless we choose a life of obedience to God; then we will live a life of bondage to sin, which only leads to more sin and destruction in our life.

In today's gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the servant who is put in charge of the other servants while the master is gone. If the servant is found carrying out the responsibilities what they are supposed to be doing, then that servant will certainly be blessed. But if the servant decides to party it up and abuse their responsibilities and fellow servants while the master is away, when that servant is caught they will find themselves in a lot of trouble. The servant who chose to abuse his responsibilities, chose to become a slave to sin, he chose to just give in to what felt good at the time and to just live in the moment. This servant gave no thought to his future, or to what would happen if he was caught. The other servant who did what he was supposed to, chose to become a slave to obedience, and because of his obedience and loyalty, that servant was greatly rewarded.

Jesus tells us today, "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." (Lk 12:48) Those who choose to become a slave to obedience, will be entrusted with more. The more we are willing to give to God, the more that He will entrust to us. The choice to be tied to sin or be liberated through a heart of obedience is ours. One leads to death, while the other leads to righteousness.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to let go of the things of this world. Help us to live a life that is only for you, to surrender completely to you and your perfect will. Lord, you alone know what is best for us, help open our eyes to see clearly in this world which seeks to lie to us and to distort your truth. Lord, we pray for all of our priests and religious. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.