Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 29th Week in Ordinary time – Wednesday – Luke 12:39-48

Having urged His men to be watchmen who are on guard, Christ now warns priests and other leaders of their heavy responsibility and accountability for trustfully watching over and shepherding the Church.

After again telling men to be continually vigilant (throughout the night) against attacks of the Evil One (thieves), Peter, growing in his leadership, perceives that Christ’s parable has an implication for His Apostles and asks for clarification. In response, in the Parable of the Faithful or Unfaithful Slave, Christ emphasizes the need for men to be watchful, to be morally upright at all times and to do the work that Christ has given them to do. Christ (the Master or Lord) will bless and reward those good men/fathers/priests (servants) who diligently care for their families/communities/Church (household Christ has given them) and give their families/communities/Church both bodily and spiritual nourishment (food). Men who do Christ’s will with faith and prudence will be rewarded richly in Heaven (blessing/set him over all his possessions).

In contrast to the “good man”, evil men/fathers/priests (wicked servants) ignore Christ (Master/Lord is delayed) abuse (beat) their families/communities/Church (fellow servants) and engage in immorality (eat and drink with the drunkards). Christ (Master/Lord) will come unexpectedly (unexpected day/time), judge and send the evil men to Hell (punish severely; in Greek, “cut him in two”).

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of Man, Christ reveals that He will come again. Divine King, Christ proclaims that He is “Lord” and “Master.” Divine Teacher, Christ reveals the kinds of moral behaviors He expects of disciples and offers parables that connect with men. Divine Judge, Christ confirms some of the criteria by which He judges men and the reality of great rewards and severe punishments.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1)  In this parable, Christ uses Greek words that literally mean, “to cut him in two” in reference to the punishment for evil men.  Realize that Christ would not use such harsh words unless He was deadly serious about sin. Repent and be vigilant.

2) Notice in the parable the good men are not passively watching, but actively doing the things that the Master has given them to do. Pray for Christ to give you the strength to be a faithful Catholic man who diligently do the work He has given you to do.

3) Many Catholic men fail to lead their families to weekly Mass. In this parable, the blessed servant (a husband/father) feeds (brings family to the Eucharist) at the proper time (Sunday Mass). Pray for Christ to inspire you to lead your family to Christ in the Mass every Sunday.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – Saint Joseph

Virtue of the Day – Temperance

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the imprisoned

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To comfort the sorrowful