When the cats away the mice will play! We all know what this means. But allow me to be literal. As someone who has a barn complete with feed for various animals, hay and hiding places galore; this is a very true statement. For many years I had a collection of cats who took up residence in the barn. All was well then. For some time I wound up with no cats; yes, it made a difference. Unfortunately I became acquainted with other little creatures when my cats were gone.
This saying is more about what we do when authority figures are not around. Many of us can recall the change in behavior when the boss is away or the teacher leaves the room. Can we admit that when we have the house to ourselves we act and do things a little differently?
We are fascinated by getting away with doing things we never would do in front of others.
As people of faith, are we living for the return of the Master? And if the master’s return is delayed, will He still find us prepared for His return? Finally, will the Master find us seeking that inexhaustible treasure in heaven?
Jesus continues to teach in parables. In these parables He portrays Himself as the master of a house, his apostles as stewards and the other disciples as servants. Jesus describes the Master as absent, although never truly being absent. He is preparing His followers for his death, resurrection and the ascension. And he prepares us too, for the Master, while present in many ways, most excellently in the Eucharist, is still delegating His authority to His bride, the Church. Jesus, like the master in this parable, left others to cooperate with His work; he seeks to share His responsibility with us.
And while the master gives real responsibility to the workers, he remains the master. And so it is with Christ. He asks us to be His co-workers, He asks us to be faithful and prudent stewards and servants yet He remains the Lord.
So Jesus leaves us a Church, a hierarchical Church with real authority. He remains the head of His Church and we are its body. As the body of Christ’s Church do we work freely and energetically putting our talents at the service of Him and each other?
Let’s fast forward to the last line of this powerful Gospel message: much will be required of those who are entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of those entrusted with more. We have been entrusted with much but in our Church, we have been entrusted with more. It is His Church, endowed with His grace and continuing the good work He has begun in us, that is our “more”.
St. Peter asks in the middle of this Gospel, is the parable meant for us or for everyone? The answer, of course, is everyone, in every time and every place.
So our challenge, as faithful and prudent servants today and in the week ahead, is to live up to these requirements and demands of the Master. Do we truly embrace a life of service to the Church? Do we pray for and support our Pope? Do we pray and support the Archbishop? Do we live the teachings of the Church, whole and complete, or do we lapse into that cafeteria catholic thing? Do we cherish the sacramental role of His Church by frequently receiving Communion, going to Confession and supporting those families and friends preparing for Baptism, Confirmation or in need of anointing when they are sick. Do we support the sacramental character of marriage or do we make light of the Church’s teachings on this sacrament. And do we really sincerely pray for and support, with our time and talent, those seeking ordination as Priests and Deacons and others who may pursue the consecrated life.
And equally important, are we faithful and prudent servants in those opportunities to serve one another? When is the last time we volunteered at a food bank, homeless shelter or simply cared for a neighbor or a stranger in need? Have we responded generously to the needs of our own parish community, with our treasure and our time? Do we know what needs the parish has that needs to be met, now? When have we last volunteered?
And when we can answer these questions as true stewards, prepared for our Masters return, living faithfully the requirements and demands of true discipleship, there will our treasure be. And the treasure, the Master promises us, will never be taken from us or decay or slip away.
Yes, when the cats away the mice will play?
But the Master is truly never away, yet we can remain faithful and prudent servants! And our treasure will be stored for us in heaven; and where our treasure is, there our hearts will be.
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