The Bible readings assigned for today are a bit overwhelming. The Old Testament lesson from 2 Maccabees describes the horrible execution of an entire family — mother and seven sons — due to religious persecution. In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable which has woven into it a story of a revolt against a king which leads to the wholesale execution of those who rebelled. In addition, the parable talks about investment strategies. All of this big picture stuff can seem a bit beyond our immediate concern. However, the point of the parable is one we can take to heart: You have been faithful in this very small matter. Maybe we can’s steer the currents of history but we can be faithful in small matters — in treating our families with love and forgiveness, in using our gifts to help make this world look a little more as God intend, by treating with compassion those who are hurting when they cross our path in life. Jesus implies that our role is to take care of the little stuff and leave the big stuff in hands of God.
