The Contemplative Companion for Wednesday, October 25, 2017

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. – Luke 12.48

The Gospel lectionary reading for today concludes with this enigmatic gut-punch. It’s a surprise ending to a longer parable teaching that Jesus offered in reply to a question from his disciples.

Rather than think of this teaching in terms of financial resources, which it often is, perhaps consider interpreting it as referring to sour spiritual capital: the gift of consciousness; the gift of spiritual development.

As we grow and deepen in the spiritual journey, we begin to recognize that we have been given much – in the form of wisdom, love, patience, kindness, peace, and other such spiritual manifestations.

Yet, nevertheless, it’s easy to look at others and compare what they have to what we don’t. That’s a waste of energy. Everyone manifests spiritual growth and gifts differently. If not, there would be no diversity in our spiritual community.

Celebrate what you have been given and what is emerging in and through your unique union with God, and its expression – even if unseen to all but God. Then, take it to the max. Live it to the full. Spend it all!

It turns out that we are not measured be  by what we don’t have, rather by how we used that which we were given. This is a relief, and can inspire us to make the most of the gifts we have received – for the glory of God, for the blessing of others, and for our joy of being.

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