Wednesday, 11/18/15
The first readings yesterday and today were thrilling
stories taken from the Second Book of the Maccabees, but they lose much of
their appeal when we learn that rather than their being historical accounts,
they come from a collection of pious Jewish fiction tales.
Our Lord’s story in the Gospel is based on fact. In around
the year 50 b.c., a young Herod, leaving his belongings with friends, fled to
Rome for protection from rivals who were seeking his life. All went so well for
him in Rome, that in 40 b.c. with Rome’s backing he came back as king of the
Jews. He proceeded to reward those who had stayed true to him, while punishing
those who had not.
Of course, Jesus addressed his parable to each of us to whom
he has entrusted an equivalent of a precious gold coin. Your gold coin was your
fine family, your health and abilities. You will be seriously quizzed on what
you have done with your gold coin.
There is a 63 year old man named Perry who had breakfast
with us one day a week. But, yesterday he phoned to say that he can’t again
leave his room and his oxygen. He said, “My lungs are all gone.” Now, he is
left checking over what he has done with his gold coin, as you and I will be
doing soon.
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