Catholic Daily Reflections - Thursday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time – August 28 2025

Be a Faithful Servant Matthew 24:42–51 https://catholicreadings.org/thursday-of-the-twenty-first-week-in-ordinary-time-year-1/ Church, let me begin with a story. There was once a renowned doctor named **Adrian Mwangi**. He worked in one of the biggest hospitals in the city. His skill was unmatched. His knowledge was respected. People said, *“This is the doctor you want if you are sick.” But over time, pride filled his heart. Instead of caring for people with kindness, he mistreated them. He mocked the young doctors, he scolded the nurses harshly, and he even spoke cruelly to patients. He thought to himself, “I am secure—no one can remove me. I can do as I please.” So he began to neglect his work. Sometimes he would leave his patients unattended and slip away early to drink. Then, one day, without warning, the hospital board dismissed him. His honor was gone in an instant. He went looking for work elsewhere, but every door was closed. His reputation had followed him, and because of his age and his drunkenness, no one wanted him. In time, he drifted into the streets, full of regret and shame. Friends, this is exactly the picture Jesus paints in Matthew 24:42–51. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 1. The Call to Watchfulness (vv. 42–44) Jesus says, “Therefore keep watch.” Watchfulness means living every day as though Christ could return today. Many people think, *“I have time. I can repent later. I can serve God when I am older.” But just like Dr. Mwangi didn’t expect to be dismissed, many won’t expect the Lord’s coming. If the owner of a house knew when the thief was coming, he would stay awake. But thieves don’t announce their arrival, and neither does the Son of Man. Application: Don’t gamble with your soul. Live ready, not someday, but today. Ask yourself: If Christ were to return tonight, would He find me faithful? 2. The Faithful Servant (vv. 45–47) Jesus describes the faithful and wise servant: He is entrusted with the household. He gives them food at the proper time. He serves faithfully even when the master is away. And when the master returns, this servant is blessed. The master says, “Well done. You have been faithful. I will set you over all my possessions.” Application: God has entrusted each of us with responsibilities. Parents → care for your children with love and guidance. Leaders → serve God’s people, not for your own glory, but for His. Believers → use your gifts to bless others, not to boast. Faithfulness is not about being famous; it’s about being steadfast. When no one is watching, are you still serving? 3. The Wicked Servant (vv. 48–51) Then Jesus warns about the wicked servant. He says, “My master is delayed.” He mistreats his fellow servants. He eats and drinks with drunkards. He lives as though there will be no accountability. But the master comes at an unexpected hour and punishes him severely. Illustration (Dr. Mwangi): Dr. Mwangi thought he was untouchable. He thought no one would call him to account. But when his downfall came, it came suddenly. The same way, many live as though judgment will never come. But it will. Application: Pride always leads to a fall. Neglect of duty brings judgment. Mistreating others will never go unnoticed by God. The end may come through Christ’s return, through death, or through sudden change—but it will come. 4. The Lesson for Us So, what does this mean for us today? Be ready always. Live as if Christ will return tonight. Be faithful in little things. God honors those who serve quietly, humbly, and consistently. Be loving toward others. Don’t mistreat people; every soul is precious to God. Be sober and alert. Don’t waste your life in sin, indulgence, or drunkenness. Conclusion Church, the story of Dr. Mwangi is a warning. A man entrusted with much, but unfaithful, ended in shame. Jesus tells us this parable so that we will not end the same way.