every one who has will more be given

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Revelation 4:1-11 Psalm 150:1-6 Luke 19:11-28

Luke 19:26  `I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

This is a troubling and difficult verse.  It kind of contradicts our Christian instincts.  But, maybe our instincts our misguided.  We tend to think that we must give to those who have nothing and take from those who have plenty, but here Jesus seems to be saying the opposite.  It almost sounds worldly to take form those who have little and give to those who have plenty.

I think it is not a matter so much of what we have, but what we are doing with what we have that is the issue.  Jesus also says to whom much is given much is required.  We must keep in mind that what we have is God's and not ours. The distribution isn't so much the issue, but the thanks and respect that we have for the blessings from God is.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always give you thanks and praise for all my blessings and treat them with the highest regard.  Help me to grow your kingdom through love and charity rooted in thanksgiving.

Amen