Matthew 24:45-51, The Faithful and Wise Servant

45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Comments

The faithful and wise servant provides for the household—both family and neighbor. It is in service to others that we prepare for the parousia by helping them be prepared. People are created in the image of God, and we are to see them and care for them that way. The wicked servant has no loyalty to his master and does not serve others but only himself. He will not be “taken” to partake of eternity with God.

Prayer

Grant me to recognize in other men, Lord God,

the radiance of your own face.

(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955)