(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
November 16, 2014
Liturgical readings
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Matthew 25:14-30
"Come, share the Lord's joy."
Each one has been given gifts and abilities by the Lord. The majority have them in their personality or character; some have them in artistic, musical or sports abilities; and others in professional life, or raising a family. Life itself is a gift. All receive the gift of life. In the first part of this Sunday's parable, a lesson is taught to make good use of all God gave: making them yield well for His glory, and for the benefit of others. The last part of the parable prepares all to understand well the seriousness of not placing our gifts in God's service. For the Lord wants that everyone use the gifts of life to please Him, and to make it yield for the common good, and the greater good.
At some point of life, some can misuse or abuse the gifts of life the Lord gives. If those gifts were wasted by the influence of vice (as ancient monastics define vice as originating from thought and spirit), then it can destroy not only Christ's image in a person, but his life, and other lives as well. But when misfortune, tragedy, loss, broken relationships, or a pandemic occurs, many realize the need for God's forgiveness for time or gifts wasted. But God is merciful - the author of all that is good. He is ready to point a way back to use one's gifts according to His will. It takes time though. As physical illness takes time to heal, even the soul needs time for healing. Venerable Matt Talbot is one inspiring life story that can point a road back to the Lord.
Once vices are purged, the habits of sin are ended, and there is strength to do God's will. God's grace gives the spiritual vision needed to make good use of the abilities received from Him. There is no need to change one's state of life, or to go elsewhere. St. Josemaria Escriva says that even one's "ordinary activities are not an insignificant matter; rather, they are the very hinge on which sanctity turns". We can employ the gifts given according to God's will, and reap the reward of sharing in God's joy at making His gifts bear a joyful harvest for Him and others. God can give additional freedom and the golden treasure of time. And whenever freedom and time are properly used, lives are rebuilt in productivity and fruitfulness. Lives are renewed in joy with a greater responsibility towards God, others, and to one's well-being.
Scripture quote:
"We belong neither to darkness nor to night; therefore let us not sleep like the rest, but awake and sober!" (1 Thessalonians 5)
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