Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability.” Matthew 25:14-15

I am imagining another scenario: the man gave a fourth servant half a talent. This servant bought bread with the talent and distributed it to the poor, the widows, the orphans, the lame, and the ill. When the man returned from his journey, all of those who had received bread were waiting to give him thanks.

What would the man say to the servant to whom he had given half a talent?

Sometimes it is necessary to be countercultural, to refuse to contribute to a system that seeks its own gratification and forgets those in need.

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Les pharisiens questionnent Jésus
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

“Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

My purpose for today and every day: to love as Jesus commanded — not asked, but commanded.

Love has many aspects: kindness, respect, courtesy, civility, compassion, patience, humility, forgiveness.

Today I will follow Jesus and choose one aspect of love to practice with God, myself, and my neighbor.

College di razze umane individuate dalla vecchia tassonomia, 2017

[Jesus said to the Pharisees], “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” Matthew 22:20

Every human person is made in the image of God’s love and goodness. God has written into our hearts the inscription of love, respect, forgiveness, and compassion.

Lord, may I see your image in every human face and inscribe my life with with love and respect for all people everywhere.

Aldersbach abbey ( Lower Bavaria ). Mary Assumption parish church: Narthex – Fresco (1760) illustrating the Gospel of Matthew 22, 7: “See, the meal is ready, come!”

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.
Matthew 22:11

Today I will wear a garment woven of joy and kindness to celebrate that I was made in the image of God’s love and goodness.

Lord, may I always accept with gladness your invitation to love my neighbor .