In the first reading, we read the narrative of the martyrdom of the seven youth and their mother. Inspite the suffering inflicted upon them by the king the woman and her sons remained faithful to God's law. They underline the fact that obedience to God is more important than life itself.

In the Gospel, as he draws near to Jerusalem, the place "where everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished", Jesus tells a parable. He did it because he was aware that there were people who did not understand his prediction concerning his passion and resurrection. They did not understand that it is as risen Lord that Jesus would be king.

Jesus reminds his listeners that as the Lord's servants they cannot remain passive during his absence. They have received the trust which must be developed each according to his or her ability. If they reject their responsibility, even out of fear, and leave matters in the same state in which they were at the Lord's departure, they are unfaithful in their mission. As such, they have no place in the full manifestation of the kingdom on the day the Son of man.

As Christians we too must take heed of Jesus' warning. We know that the Lord will come again. In the meantime, how are we living out our lives as his followers? Are we being faithful in carrying out the mission he has entrusted to us? Have we been obedient to his calling in our lives? When he returns, what will we tell him?