መኑ ውእቱ

19 መጋቢት 2019 · 2027-03-28

Saint Paul teaches that ministers of Christ must consider themselves servants and stewards of the mysteries of God. The essential requirement of a steward is faithfulness. A steward does not own what has been entrusted to him. Time, abilities, knowledge, possessions, responsibilities, ministry, and opportunities all belong ultimately to God. Every person will be asked how these gifts were used. Paul also warns against judging prematurely. Human beings see only external actions, but the Lord reveals the intentions of the heart. Christian service should therefore not be motivated by competition, public praise, or comparison with others. Saint Peter calls Christians to live honourably even among people who misunderstand or accuse them. By doing good, believers may silence false accusations and lead others to glorify God. Christian freedom must never become an excuse for wrongdoing. In Acts, Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned for proclaiming the Gospel. Instead of surrendering to despair, they pray and sing hymns during the night. Their faithful witness becomes an instrument through which the jailer and his household encounter salvation. The Gospel presents a master who entrusts different amounts to his servants. Two servants use what they receive and produce additional fruit. The third servant hides his talent because fear controls him. The problem is not that the third servant received less than the others. His failure is that he refuses to use what was entrusted to him. He sees the master only through fear and allows fear to produce inactivity. God does not require every person to accomplish the same work. He asks each person to be faithful with what has been given. One person may receive many visible responsibilities while another serves quietly, but both can hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” The Good Servant Sunday calls Christians to reject laziness, fear, jealousy, and excuses. We must use our gifts for God’s glory, serve others responsibly, remain faithful in suffering, and remember that we are stewards rather than owners.