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33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

My dear followers of Jesus,

Today’s gospel, Matthew 25: 14-30 opens a door for our reflection on the gift of life, how we are responsible for it, and how we return the treasure God has given us. We are all given talents, not in money like the parable states, but in the gift of our humanity. As we soon close out another liturgical year, we reflect upon the value of what God gives us in our hearts, in our lives, and in all relationships.

 I realize this is a year most of us would like to forget. Even though we cannot control every outcome of our lives, life is still sheer gift. We have a responsibility for the many talents, loves, and beauties God gives us, not only as individuals, but as Church. In November, we take stock of life as we prepare for end times. How we live today, reveals our happy death and God’s eternal love for us.

So, what if your life ended today? What have you done with your incredible, beautiful, loving life? What are the regrets that harm you? What are the moments that give you joy and exuberance? What are the things that cling to your sense of guilt or shame? How can you turn your sorrow into joy in your reflection?

God is not in our lives to condemn us; God is brought into our hearts so to heal us and offer us forgiveness. I meet people every day who think God hates them, because of petty sin or things they just cannot let go of or heal. This reveals the importance of living a spiritual life that is vital and authentic. If we have been reflecting all along on God’s mercy, then we shall know Jesus in our pain, our regret and our sin. If we have not lived in Him, then in the end, we will think our lives are useless and sinful. I pray we may all find God, in good days and in bad.

About forty years ago, one of our Holy Cross priests was going to build a chapel at our retreat center at Notre Dame. He sent every person on his list of donors a $5.00 bill. He gave them instructions to use the money to benefit the new building. Over the course of a few months, the people made five dollars into many thousands. He built a new chapel that is still standing and used today. We have many gifts and many ways to increase what God has already given us. We are instruments of divine love in our world and it is up to us to spread the Good News.

No matter where you are on the spiritual journey, I hope you can use your life and your life work for the common good. Who knows what God has in mind for you? Now is the time for you to explore the grace given you and how you have lived such grace. You can still multiply the benefits and gifts God has given you with love and generosity.  

In today’s second reading from 1Thes 5:1-6, we here that the Lord will come like a thief in the night. We are to remain sober and alert. We are to stand in the dark and yearn for the coming light of Christ. I pray that we may all have that hope in the end. I pray for courage as we learn to rebuild from a pandemic and live with hope that things can be reborn, and our priorities expanded. God is in our world and in each and every heart. What a treasured gift.

“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich…”

God give you peace,

Fr. Ron