Today's Readings
Wednesday of the thirty third week in ordinary time.
Revelation 4:1-11
Ps 150:1b-6
Luke 19:11-28
The story is told about a successful businessman who suddenly died, when his soul was about to separate from his body he saw an angel and a devil. He naturally veered away from the devil and he put himself at the side of the angel. When they were about to enter the heavenly gates God was there to ask him this question: What can you say about your life on earth? The man said, I was a successful business man when I was still alive and I did no wrong to anyone. Then God said that’s very good! But have you done something for my kingdom? The man was not able to answer for he did nothing to help grow the kingdom of God. Then God commanded the angel to bring him to the other side of the fence where the environment was very hot and humid for he did nothing to advance the kingdom of God.
What is your present preoccupation right now? Are you very busy with the things of this world? Like how to expand your business and how to grow bigger your money and the like? Many of us are perhaps very earthly and always very busy with earthly things. But if we are all busy with the affairs of this world where would we be after our journey in this world is already over and done? Where would we end up if we do nothing for the kingdom of God in this world?
In our gospel a nobleman gave his servants gold coins so that they could do something to make it grow. Two of them were able to increase its value but there was one who simply kept in a handkerchief what was entrusted to him. He did nothing to grow the money entrusted to him by his master.
In our faith life doing nothing is never an option or faith in Jesus that is kept to oneself is never an alternative. We must share this faith that Jesus has entrusted to us in whatever manner possible so that it could grow and have life.
When you share your faith you also enrich your spiritual life and you become a productive servant of the Lord.
Reflect, today, upon all that God has given you. What are your “talents?” What have you been given to work with in life? This would include material blessings, circumstances, natural talents and extraordinary graces. How well do you use what you have been given? Do not compare yourself to others. Instead, use what you have been given for the glory of God and you will be rewarded for all eternity.
Lord, I give to You all that I am and thank You for all that You have given to me. May I use all that I have been blessed with for Your glory and for the upbuilding of Your Kingdom. May I recognize you as lord of my life and King of the Universe. I so often struggle with a rebellious spirit that shouts out “non servium!” (I will not serve!), but I don’t want to give in to this temptation. I want to serve you in communion with others, with generosity and fidelity. Make my heart like yours and bear fruit for the kingdom with the gift of my life! May I never squander the grace You have given me. Help me to always work diligently for the upbuilding of Your divine Kingdom. And help me to see it as a joy and honor to do so. Jesus, I trust in You.
Today by God's grace, generously and faithfully seek to accomplish well the small duties of the day. The Lord be with you.