The final verse in to-day's Gospel tells us that after he had finished the parable Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem. Entering the city, he received a welcome fit for a king. For the remaining days of his life Jesus was treated even by his foes as someone who spoke with authority. The conviction of his words was a challenge to them. Pilate asked him if he was a king and the man on the cross beside him asked for a place in his kingdom. Over his head was nailed a placard: "The King of the Jews."

In such a context the parable of the king and his servants is particularly significant. The kingdom that Jesus had come to establish began to emerge even in those last days in Jerusalem.

Jesus' fidelity to His Father's will lays the foundations of that kingdom. Jesus has a decisive part to play in human history and His parable makes it clear that He wants us to work with Him.

How can we play a part in making acceptable history? In his encyclical Charity in Truth Pope Benedict insists that the world can only be saved from another economic disaster on one condition. All of us must accept as an absolute truth, rock solid, deep down in our very nature, that individually or in groups we must render justice to our fellow men and women.