St. Luke 19: 11 – 28

August 20, 2022

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

In wanting to ensure that my understanding of these verses is correct, I went to my St. Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. Here is what true scholars share about this parable:

“(1) Historically, it (the parable) recalls the Herodian rulers of Palastine often traveled to Rome to bid for ruling authority. Archelaus in particular went before Caesar Augustus seeking the kingdom of his late father, Herod the Great, in 4/1 B.C. As in the parable (19:14), Jewish delegates also journeyed to Rome to oppose the request. (2) Morally, Jesus stresses the need for diligence and responsibility. He expects disciples to fulfill their Christian duties in his absence, warning that fear will be no excuse for laziness or lack of productivity (19:20-24). (3) Theologically, the parable envisions Jesus ascending to the Father to receive his kingdom (19:12; Mk 16:19) and returning to judge those who reject his royal authority (19:27). His return is closely linked with the judgement of Israel and the downfall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, which is itself a prophetic preview of his Second Coming in glory to judge all nations at the end of time.”

For us, it’s item (2) we need to be concerned about. To fulfill our Christian duties. We can’t tire. We can’t procrastinate. Diligence and responsibility. Strive to be what we are called to be – to the best of our ability.

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