Reflect today on the seriousness of the Gospel. Follow Jesus

“I tell you, whoever has, more will be given, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away. Now, as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and kill them in front of me ”. Luke 19: 26-27

Whoa, Jesus wasn't a pushover! He was not shy in his words in this parable. We see here the seriousness of our Lord regarding those who act contrary to his divine will.

First, this line comes as the conclusion of the parable of the talents. Three servants were each given a gold coin. The first used the coin to earn another ten, the second earned another five, and the third did nothing but return the coin when the king returned. It is this servant who is punished for doing nothing with the gold coin that was given to him.

Second, when this king went to receive his kingship, there were some who didn't want him as king and tried to stop his coronation. Upon his return as newly crowned king, he called those people and had them killed in front of him.

We often like to talk about Jesus' mercy and kindness, and we are right in doing so. He is kind and merciful beyond measure. But he is also a God of true justice. In this parable we have the image of two groups of people who receive divine justice.

First, we have those Christians who do not spread the gospel and do not give what has been given to them. They remain idle with faith and, as a result, lose the little faith they have.

Second, we have those who are directly opposed to Christ's kingdom and the building of His Kingdom on Earth. These are the ones who work to build the kingdom of darkness in many ways. The end result of this malice is their total destruction.

Reflect today on the seriousness of the Gospel. Following Jesus and building his kingdom is not only a great honor and joy, it is also a requirement. It is a loving command from our Lord and one he takes seriously. So if it is difficult for you to serve him wholeheartedly and commit to building the Kingdom out of love alone, at least do so because it is a duty. And it is a duty for which our Lord will ultimately hold each of us accountable.

Lord, may I never squander the grace you have given me. Help me always work diligently for the building of Your divine Kingdom. And help me see it as a joy and an honor to do so. Jesus I believe in you.