Two interesting but contrasting figures appear in this Sunday’s readings. The woman in Proverbs can be seen as a very busy and accomplished wife and mother. She applies herself, industriously utilizing her personal skills; she is compassionate and generous to the poor and has reverence for the Lord. Meanwhile, in the Gospel’s parable of the talents, we see the rejected servant as totally unproductive.
In community there are many who give of themselves with real dedication, accepting assignments without reservation; while there are some who pick and choose depending on their comfort level because they may be apprehensive about the work, or they may be complacent, letting others do the job. The parable of the talents makes it clear that the Lord wants us to be productive, making full use of the gifts received in Baptism. After being in community for many years, I ask myself these questions: Have I grown in virtue and zeal to live the way Christ wanted me to? Do I have a fear of rejection or failure, a fear borne from previous hurts that need more healing? Do I choose my assignments or simply hold back until asked to work? Am I the gifted servant who doubled his talents, or am I the rejected servant who was not productive?
We should all be aware of the spiritual gifts we have been given and develop them, just as the woman in Proverbs, who had honed her skills. Some of us have gone through darkness in one way or another; and there may be aspects of our lives that need healing, so that we can utilize our gifts to the fullest. Let us make full use of the teachings and retreats the community offers, specially the Prayer Healing Seminar, and avail ourselves of the trained counselors in community to help see ourselves the way God sees us. The word of God reminds us that we are all called to grow in the grace of God, and to use our talents for our own good and that of others. God has equipped us to grow in holiness and live a new life in Christ, so that we can become credible witnesses and bring forth new disciples in His name. Let us be the good and faithful servant, and share in our Master’s joy. As we take pause, let us ask ourselves: What prevents us from being true Christian disciples? Scared of the responsibility?
Let us resolve then to be more productive spirits.
We should all be aware of the spiritual gifts we have been given and develop them, just as the woman in Proverbs, who had honed her skills. Some of us have gone through darkness in one way or another; and there may be aspects of our lives that need healing, so that we can utilize our gifts to the fullest. Let us make full use of the teachings and retreats the community offers, specially the Prayer Healing Seminar, and avail ourselves of the trained counselors in community to help see ourselves the way God sees us. The word of God reminds us that we are all called to grow in the grace of God, and to use our talents for our own good and that of others. God has equipped us to grow in holiness and live a new life in Christ, so that we can become credible witnesses and bring forth new disciples in His name. Let us be the good and faithful servant, and share in our Master’s joy. As we take pause, let us ask ourselves: What prevents us from being true Christian disciples? Scared of the responsibility?
Let us resolve then to be more productive spirits.