While the eyes of those awaiting for the saving intervention of God facing Jerusalem, God set his eyes on a tiny village lost in the mountains of Galilee, such an insignificant place that in the whole of the Old Testament, it did not rate even one mention.
 

At the end of the first century AD when John wrote his gospel, there were still many people who called themselves disciples of John the Baptist. So, the evangelist clarifies the position of the precursor vis-a-vis Christ.
 
The Baptist was not the light of the world. He was just the first to recognise “the true light that enlightens everyone” (John 1:9). He was not deceived by the flattery of being called the messiah. He kept himself faithful to his mission.
 

To be alert and to keep watch are the key words of this passage. The evangelist invites all members of his communities to be vigilant in waiting for the coming of the Lord.
 
What does to be alert mean? Why such insistence on the night? Why does the master, instead of coming during the day, arrive suddenly when nobody expects him? Who is the doorkeeper? Who is the master? Where did he go? What powers has he left to his servants?
 

In reflecting on the parable of the talents, we need to clarify some common misconceptions. It is not a moral lesson on honesty or how to invest the money, but rather on the commitment of putting to good use the treasures that belong to everyone.
 
Jesus did not have low esteem for the one who was given only one talent.
 

When Matthew writes to a despondent community disappointed that the second coming of the Lord had not happened as they expected, he repurposes the original story that Jesus had addressed to Israel to sooth the despair of the glum and disappointed Christians.
 

The apostles were convinced that the kingdom of God was imminent. But they believed in an earthly kingdom. 
 
They had followed Jesus to see their dreams of glory fulfilled. The only question pending was to determine who would be entitled to the first places of honour (Mark 9:34).
 

One day, near the city of Philippi, Jesus addresses two questions to the apostles. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” and “Who do you say I am?”
 

When evening came” indicates in the symbolic language of the evangelist the conclusion of Jesus’ day. It is the end of his life. It is the moment in which he climbs the mountain alone, moves away from the crowds and definitely enters the world of God.
 
This is why the disciples find themselves in the dark. Darkness is the image of disorientation; doubt that captures even the most convinced believer. At times, even one who is driven by a strong faith feels alone.

The mountain, in the bible—as, indeed, among all peoples of antiquity—was the site of the encounter with God.
 
In Exodus 24 we find that after six days (Exodus 24:16) Moses went up; he did not go alone, but took Aaron, Nadab and Abihu with him (Exodus 24:19), and was enveloped in a cloud.
 
It is enough to conclude that, with these Old Testament allusions, the evangelist intends to communicate a message. He intends to present Jesus as the new Moses.
 

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