More parables from Matthew’s gospel
Yes, again parables this week and next, then no more Matthew for 3 more years …
However, before we are finished with Matthew, we will hear these potent messages, implying judgement. That kind of message is often overwhelming, making me seek out my closet or go back under the covers, you know play some hide and seek with God.
I guess because I’m so very likely to jump to judge others, and I judge myself, often harshly. So, it can take me a minute or two to remember that I am not God and God has a different plan for God’s people. THANKFULLY.
So, let us consider this …
If God is love, AND if God’s desire for us is to love God and neighbor as ourselves, AND if we are to practice always loving more deeply, then beloved, how might we read this parable of the talents?
Love more, love often, love with abandon. AMEN. Remember in God’s economy, there is no squandering of love, no squandering of justice, of mercy. Then as we love, we enlarge, we grow, the kingdom grows. Loving is what feeds us for kingdom work.
Conversely, when we hide, when we bury, when we protect the kernels of love that God gives us, each one of God’s children, we strangle love, we limit love.
Then why in the name of all that is holy is it so hard to love?
I think it’s worth it! If we were to put all our decisions through the ‘love filter’. Let all our responses to all questions be love!
Or will we continue to hoard the gift God gives? When love is shared, it grows. That’s how Love works. And perhaps this is how we will be judged, by how much we loved.
Let us Love lavishly! Even when it feels safer to hold tight to what we have been given, to close ranks. Remember sharing what God gives is a very distinguishable mark of a disciple. It is the way of Jesus to give love away.
As our world this week has been waiting to see how the votes will be counted. We are learning to love more. To seek to hear the yearnings of our neighbors’ hearts. To love large is not political or partisan. Love is our talent to spend recklessly, wildly and intemperately. Expecting an amazing return.
