33rd Sunday Reflection

11-08-2020Weekly Reflection

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about the Parable of the Talents. He gives talents to each one of us according to our abilities and expects an accounting of how we managed our Talents. For everyone who has, more will be given… from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Mt. 25:29)

God is the source of all our talent, and we are just stewards. The parable also teaches the value of work, hard and honest day’s work. Are we hardworking, or hardly working, or are we pretending to be busybodies? Are we doing honest or dishonest work? In the end, the question is: Are we an asset or a liability to the world or humanity? Putting it bluntly, are we a credit or a debit to the good of creation or God’s Kingdom here on earth. We are all given talents, and Yes! Some have more talent than others. All our Talents and blessings are Godgiven. We must discover, develop, and nourish these talents for the good of the many. There are exceptional talents, like Mozart, Beethoven, Michael Angelo, or Albert Einstein, but most Talents are developed and earned. It is not the number of talents that matters. Some people have so much talent but have not become successful. Why? Of course, there are many factors, like pride, laziness, and even the timing. On the other hand, some barely have the talent but succeed and excel exceedingly. Do your best, and God will do the rest. Or people who do their best, and give their very best or their 100% always. The road of humility and hard work leads to success.

In life, we always have a choice, to be greedfull or to be grateful. The journey in life must become more grateful and less greedy. Count the blessings and not the misfortunes. And as an expression of our gratitude to God for our life, may we become more helpful to others, especially to the poor and the needy.

One paradox in life says: When you don't have anything, then you have everything. Having nothing liberates you in unimaginable ways. Be careful what you become attached to. In the end, we have to give it all up anyway. But it is not true that we leave this world with nothing just as we came into the world with nothing. We can't take things or money with us, but we bring all the love we have allowed God to fill us with.

Let us live our life focused not on what we can get; but what we can give. So that at the end of this journey, the Lord will say to us: Well done, my good and faithful servant. How blessed we are if we hear these words from God when we finally come to meet Him face to face. Let us set our journey toward the heart of God, who knows each one of us and sees what is in our hearts.

The lack of talent should lead us to dependence on and trust in God. Lord, teach us to trust more and worry less. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. (Prov. 3:5) Likewise, our talents and blessings should lead us to be humble and to be grateful to God. St. Mo. Theresa once said: The most important part is we keep the work as His work, and we do not spoil it with any claims.

Ten Resolutions from Pope Francis: They are worth pondering:

1. Please do not gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose more humble purchases. 
5. Meet the poor in the flesh. 
6. Stop judging others. 
7. Befriend those who disagree. 
8. Do not be afraid to say forever.
9. Make it a habit to ask the Lord.
10. Be happy.

Lord, help us to remember that we are just stewards of our talents and blessings and our very life.