In charge

 

First Sunday of Advent

“It is like a man traveling abroad.  He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work” (Mark 13:34)

Reflection

Not this year!  Not many folks will be traveling abroad during this time of pandemic.  But that doesn’t mean our passion nor our mission are any less diminished.  We can still travel and enjoy the world … without leaving our homes. 

Why?  Jesus and His everlasting Spirit have left us in charge.  In charge means “on fire” or even “lit up.”  Like candles or Christmas lights, we servants are lit bright with great ideas about how best to accomplish do our Advent work – His work.  Prepare the way of the coming of the Lord by small acts of reverence and preparation. 
Here are some ideas (take each of these figuratively):

     - clean out the garage so no one trips when the owner gets back
     - gather and donate unused clothes, you have outgrown them anyway
     - charge up the batteries of your phone, and then make a few calls
     - wash the windows so more light gets in
     - in quiet moments, believe that you are in charge because the man actually never left, he remains at home

 

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito.”  (C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm)

 

When did we see you?

Solemnity of Christ the King

"Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you’.” (Matthew 25:37)

Reflection

Notice both sides ask the same question: Lord when did we see you in need?  Neither the righteous nor the accursed actually recognized the King inherent in others as they went about their lives.  Their good works (or lack thereof) were not motivated by reward or the King’s favor.  They were clueless that helping others had anything to do with honoring a higher power.  
They simply loved with an open heart … or not.  It was in their nature.

Human nature means that we live each day with an open heart.  For me, this is symbolized by the traditional Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  A Sacred Heart is an open heart.  It is on fire to help and serve no matter the cost – no matter the reward.  It’s simply the way you were made.

In this parable, the ones on the right naturally live with open hearts, loving anyone in need.  Those on the left somehow suffer a pain or fear which closes their hearts to the needs of others.  Sadly they may be clueless to the closedness.  

 If you have an open heart, please reach out and help those who seem to cling to fear.  Love those who cannot.  Help transform goats into sheep before the day of judgement.  You can do it … with an open heart.

 

 

 

Entrusted His Possessions

 

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jesus told his disciples this parable: "A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.  To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one – to each according to his ability.” (Matthew 25:14)

Reflection

Think about it: everything you have (or have ever had) has been “on loan” from God.  God has entrusted His possessions to you, in some small way.  For example, God has given you His talent of good humor, or His gift of listening.  God may have entrusted you with His intelligence or His good looks.  These are all gifts from God, to you. 

In this parable, the Master is pleased that you appreciate the gift as freely given, and that you accept the responsibility to share that gift and give it away to others.  That’s why you got gifts in the first place: to give them away as God did.  Each gift you possess (including your body) is not yours to keep, but to give away freely in the service of others.  Do you have the ability to be generous?

(Kinda makes you think twice about the pronouns “my” and “mine” … )

 

They went off

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

"While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.  Then the door was locked.” (Matthew 25:10)

Reflection

Some folks react to this reading with the comment, "How could the master be so cruel as to lock the door?"  Back up a second, take a look at the prior actions of the foolish virgins.  The wise ones told them to go off and buy some oil for themselves.  And they did!  Why?  They ought to have stayed faithful to the bridegroom and awaited his return, oil or no oil.

Lesson:  When we are out of spiritual oil, despondent, weak of faith, other voices tell us to go off and buy faith some other way.  Purchase relief for ourselves.  There's no other merchant or resource we need than Christ himself.  Remain faithful.  Stay in Church. 

Chastised a little, we shall be greatly blessed, because God tried us and found us worthy of himself.