The
Gospel reading for Holy Communion yesterday was Luke 12:39-48, a strange
parable in which Jesus responds (as so often) to a question with a question:
‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager
whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance
of food at the proper time?’
The
context is one of Jesus preparing his disciples for his approaching trial and
execution – which some would claim demonstrated that he was rejected by God –
and thus the implied answer to his rhetorical question is that he is speaking of himself. Jesus
identifies himself as God’s dependent servant, given charge of God’s resources
in order that he give his fellow dependent servants their allowance of food at the proper time.
In
other words, Jesus is stating that he is the one who feeds the household of
God, giving to each member the very sustenance we need – of body, mind, spirit –
at each and every moment. Through the promise of his word, through his broken
body and blood poured out, through his active presence in our midst. For though
the context of provision is both communal
and ordered, the manager who is
prudent as well as faithful will always pay special attention to those of the
community in particular need, and adjust
provision accordingly.
