Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: What shall I do, may welcome me into their homes, eternal dwellings, cannot serve both God and mammon

To the point: The wily servant has concern only for his immediate future and uses underhanded means to assure that his needs are met. In his efforts to protect his future, however, he limits it—he will only be welcomed into the homes of those whose favor he bought dishonestly with his master’s wealth. By serving himself, the wily servant ultimately limits his world of possibilities. By contrast, disciples are to serve in such a way that they open their future to unending possibilities. Faithful disciples first choose not themselves nor the things of this world, but to serve God and others. This choice leads to an eter- nal future (“eternal dwellings”).

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the first reading: The First Reading presents the same scenario about the future as does the gospel. God will hold accountable those who serve them- selves for personal gain, and will never forget “a thing they have done.”

… to experience: In the everyday humdrum of life, we rarely think about the ultimate future. Life itself pressures us into shortsighted choices for living. Dis- cipleship, on the other hand, calls us to live in such a way that our daily choices form patterns of behavior that move us toward God’s promise of life eternal.

**From Saint Louis University