Every once in awhile, one of our readings throws me off. Today's reading has not been cleansed with an eye toward political correctness, or the sensitivities of a woman living 2000+ years afterwards.  And maybe that is exactly as it should be - the world remains full of difficult truths - but it's still painful to read. 

Here, the Gospel lesson has Jesus relating a Parable in which he describes the "Master's" decision to either beat his servant, or to beat him more severely. My Jesus is kinder, gentler, more forgiving. My Jesus would not, in my mind's eye, ever strike another human being, nor condone such behavior.   So I can't focus on the expectations of a harsh Master, or what happens when he is not obeyed. If I believe in the grace of Jesus' death on the cross, then my "Master" will have no expectation of my behavior in his absence, good or bad. If we take the Parable to associate with our being judged by our Maker / Master at the time of his coming, I prefer (with my rose-colored glasses) to believe that all children of God will be forgiven, accepted, rewarded. My God expects my human will - a gift - to take me off course sometimes. But I do believe that God prefers and asks that I do my best, and then do better!

So what I CAN focus on is the initial, leading question of whether much is asked of those of us who have been blessed with so much.  Peter asked Jesus if his request  applies to all of us - and the answer is yes.  Yes, even when no one is looking; even when the Master is 'away.'  If we can make use of the words of Ephesians, the first lesson, we understand we are the stewards of God's graces.  Everything that we have is a gift; all of our blessings are God's blessings entrusted to us.  How can we hold them, selfishly, when others are in need?  

Because you're here in devotion with me today, you are already among the richest of God's children, in spirit.  Share that.  If you're reading these words, you're among the richest of God's children in education.  Teach others.  If you live in the US, chances are very high that you are among the richest of God's children, in resources.  Share them.

I won't be doing these things because I'm afraid of the beating that will come when my Master returns home.  I'll do them because my Master graced me... little ME... in stewardship of all my blessings, and because Jesus asked me to.

Gracious God, help me to view every blessing of my life as a gift from you, and guide me in my stewardship of those blessings in love and support for others.  Amen.