​Fourth Sunday after the feast of the Cross
Gospel

Reflection 1

Found Faithful?
This parable is one of the great teachings about the Lord’s return and our final accountability — alongside the Wedding Feast, the Fig Tree, the Call to Watchfulness, the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Last Judgment.
All these parables warn us that Christ’s coming will be sudden, and our readiness will be judged not by words but by how faithfully we live and serve.
The faithful steward can face this moment with peace if he has lived with humility and perseverance:
 • Glorifying God’s name, not his own (Malachi 2:1),
 • Hoping in the living God rather than in his own abilities (1 Timothy 4:6–16),
 • Persevering in service, without becoming absorbed in serving himself (Luke 12:42–48).
The “food at the proper time” represents our duty to serve others, both materially and spiritually — with faithfulness, humility, love, service, generosity, vigilance and perseverance. Without these, we lose the joy of belonging to the Master’s household.
Though addressed to the disciples, this parable speaks to all Christians — especially those in service or leadership: priests, religious, parents and anyone entrusted with the care of others.

Faithfulness Begins with Self-Examination
Faithfulness begins with looking inward, not judging others. We may be tempted to take on the role of judge and think we can decide who is a faithful servant and who is not. The Master alone knows all hearts; our task is to examine our own and how we serve God and others.

Following the Path of the Faithful
True faithfulness is reflected in the lives of holy men and women:

• Mary models humble and loving trust in God.
• Saint Joseph shows that quiet, patient obedience is powerful.
• Saint Charbel reminds us that faithfulness is proven through perseverance and purity of heart, not success.
• Saint Mother Teresa lived faithfulness through humble, compassionate, and selfless service.

Thought of the week
“The Rosary has accompanied me in moments of joy and in moments of difficulty. To it I have entrusted any number of concerns; in it I have always found comfort”. Saint Pope John Paul II
 
Refection by Father Touma Mouhana translated to English
This gospel is also read on the Sunday of Priests. It especially applies to those in positions of spiritual authority, such as bishops and priests, who are entrusted with the Word of God, the Eucharist and the care of souls. Their mission requires faithfulness and wisdom.
Yet, this message extends beyond clergy. Every human being is a steward — entrusted with a vocation, a mission and responsibilities in life. Each person must carry out their entrusted service as if it were their own, with dedication and integrity, for here lies the foundation of human dignity. God, the Creator and Redeemer, is the ultimate Master, and earthly authorities — both religious and civil — act as channels of accountability.
As stewards, we possess the freedom to act faithfully or to neglect our mission. Faithfulness means aligning our words and actions with God’s will and serving others with care and justice. To neglect this calling leads to judgment, both in conscience and before God. The human conscience remains the inner voice of accountability, reminding each person that one day the Master will return, and every steward will render an account of their service.

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Reflection 2

The nourishment for the souls
In this parable, Jesus wanted to teach his disciples how to care for the people of God entrusted to them. Jesus raised their sights to the values that need to guide their lives, with the realisation that they will have to give an account of their actions before God.
The responsibility of the faithful servant to provide food at the proper time can be interpreted as a call to serve others, both materially and spiritually.
The faithful servant represents God’s chosen ones who are taking the lead in helping others come to a true understanding of His Word and purpose, by providing them with spiritual needs and nourishment for the souls.
As disciples of Jesus, we will be judged on how well we have served others. We must be like the Master "who has come, not to be served by others, but to serve, and to give his own life as a ransom for many".
The master's return is unknown, emphasizing the need for vigilance and faithfulness.
 We are called to be stewards of God's creation. The parable reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are entrusted with its care. This includes our time, talents, and resources.
How faithfully are we managing these gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God?
 
Accountability and responsibility
 The unfaithful servant, who neglects his responsibilities and mistreats his fellow servants, faces severe consequences when the master returns. He was a false teacher who did not know how to serve.

The good waiter
Our culture is not inclined to wait but when you think of the Bible, waiting is one of the things which men and women of faith are called upon to do.
To be ready for Jesus’ coming, we must be his servants. Being his servants means being faithful. Faithful Servants do not have a life of their own; they live to please their master.
To be ready for Jesus’ coming, we must live in expectation of his return. The “good waiter” is to be like a devoted servant, who eagerly awaits his master’s return.
Do we live the life of a faithful servant or are we too engrossed in selfish aims and the acquisition of material benefits?
 
A thought of the week By Father Thomas Rosica
God speaks and the Church, as servant, lends its voice to the Word. But God does not only speak. God also listens, especially to the just, widows, orphans, persecuted, and the poor who have no voice. The Church must learn to listen the way God listens and must lend its voice to the voiceless.
 
God's Workplace
Lord Jesus, you have called me to be a co-worker with you for the Kingdom of God. May I live each day as a day for God, knowing that I have a part to play in the coming of God's Kingdom on earth. Amen Gwen Simon