Day Seventy-eight – Matthew 24:45-51

Jesus made a point of emphasizing that the hour of his coming was not only unknown, but that it would arrive unexpectedly (Mt. 24:36, 44). For that reason, his disciples had to live “on the alert.” How does a person do that? How can we prepare ourselves for an event that will occur exactly when we do not think it will? The answer comes down to how we treat others and it is illustrated in Jesus’ parable of the faithful and evil slaves.

Drawing a contrast between the two slaves, Jesus said the faithful slave feeds others, the evil slave feeds himself; the faithful slave acts responsibly, the evil slave abuses his fellow slaves; the faithful slave keeps the will of his master in mind, the evil slave assumes the master will be gone so long that his will is irrelevant; the good slave receives his master’s blessing, the evil slave receives punishment.

Although Jesus knew he would be gone from his disciples for “a long time,” it is obvious that he wanted them to always keep him in mind. True lovers never forget each other, even when separated by thousands of miles for months or years. They cherish memories, keepsakes, and photographs, and correspond as frequently as possible. In a similar way, Jesus desired to leave on our souls an impression of himself that would keep the flame of our heart burning for him, even through the long years of waiting to be united with him.

It is Your pleasure, Lord Jesus, to show Your love to all the world and to do so through those who know You. Grant us Your grace, O Savior, to be the faithful servants who do not beat others, but feed them and do not abuse others, but heal them in Your name. May people discover through our lives, actions and words, the infinite love of the Father, the eternal mercy of the Son, and the never failing grace of the Spirit.