November 19, 2017

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time A Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6; Matthew 25: 14-30 We can so easily take today’s readings and misinterpret them. When you read the readings before liturgy today, what did you think was the major theme? Or, after hearing these readings today, what did you think was the major theme? I’m sure that many wonderful sermons were heard in your churches today. The approach I’m taking may be similar or very different. Back to my original question, initially what did you feel was the theme? What comment did you feel you had to make when you heard each reading? If I told you that Scripture scholars agree that the readings talk about the giftedness of people, what would you say? Did you find yourself compelled to make a comment rather on each reading rather than seeing them from the giftedness of God? The first reading is from the Book of Proverbs which is an anthology of didactic poetry and a part of the ‘wisdom’ literature of the Old Testament. Its goal is to inform the young as well as continuing to help those desiring advanced training in wisdom. All of this is focused on the religious truth that God loves and gifts each person. Today’s reading focuses on the expectations and behavior of the ideal wife. Primarily she is to bring honor to her husband, (31:13) , taking and making clothes for the family (31:13) and continually to take care of the poor and needy (31:20). The author is describing the woman’s duties but from God’s perspective. St Anthony Messenger press explains it in a way that we can see the depth of ‘wisdom’: “On one level, the details here explore the tangible advantages the woman brings to her family. They have the protection of clothing suitable for every season, wool for warmth, and flax for comfort in the heat. The poor and the needy receive comfort from her generosity. Viewing the same attributes from a spiritual plane, this woman is Wisdom who clothes those close to her with knowledge of the Lord and meets the needs of people who recognize their reliance on God. External beauty can fade with time; inner beauty never fades and leads to lasting praise from all those who know her.” In using her unique gifts, she has touched others with her example, her care and her love. Gifts are to be used and they carry with them the beauty of their Source, God’s love. The Thessalonians were concerned about what would happen in the end-times. They really felt that Jesus’ return was imminent. The apostles and preachers were totally concerned with reminding people to repent and turn their lives over to the Lord. When Jesus came He would guide the living and the dead and their actions would decide their fate. This was all well and good but a number of the believers were dying as well as the early apostles, holy people and believers and Jesus had not come yet. When would this return come? Paul told them ‘when they least expect it’. So what were they to do? Paul said to be vigilant and faithful, caring and loving all so they would be ready when the Lord comes. So how well do I fit in with these instructions? Do I realize that today, I am one day closer to meeting the Lord? Do I act accordingly? Do I feel that I have plenty of time left? This is exactly what the Gospel in Matthew is helping me with: what to do now during the in-between times. I’m here living, when will my tomorrow with the Lord come? It’s not yet…when? I don’t know. Jesus’ parable describes a situation in which a person has left his possessions in the hands of three servants and departed on a journey of unknown duration. Each servant is given responsibilities according to their abilities. When the master comes back, he evaluates how well each servant lived up to the task: two did very well, the last one failed according to the master’s judgment. “You wicked, lazy servant!” This is certainly a devastating harsh evaluation with a fierce condemnation. Do we consider this too harsh? Am I viewing things as God does? Or am I viewing it the way that I want? The point of the parable: Jesus will come again. We don’t know when this will happen or really how it will happen. Jesus has promised that He will return in glory to establish a new heaven and a new earth. Until that time we are to be vigilant living with the awareness that God has gifted each person. What am I doing with these gifts? Am I using them so that I can have a good time and to be successful? Do I feel that these gifts have been given for the good of me? God doesn’t operate that way. It is not about me, it is about God and His plan and His creation. Each day, like the first two servants, we are called to use our gifts, to take risks to live in love. We are called to step out in faith knowing that our gifts have been given to further the growth of love in each person. Each person is to trust in God’s plan and in His gifts. God doesn’t give us gifts and talents for us to hide them or turn them into our own selfish plans. I am unique, each person is unique and these uniquenesses are intended so that the one needing them can be touched with God’s love. So whatever constitutes my gifts: from a smile, to helping hand, to money, education, talent, ad infinitum is not meaningless. Nothing is irrelevant with God. We must remember that God’s desire for every person is far greater than ours. God will do everything He can to bring the gospel to each person, everywhere, at all times ‘to the ends of the earth.’ Matthew, A devotional Commentary from World Library Publications states, “As we give of ourselves, we will see God’s power and glory revealed. Our active involvement in this life is truly an adventure, filled with opportunities to use all that God has given us and to see Him work wonders as we do. This is our high calling. Let us accept it with gratitude and joy.” Isn’t it amazing to reflect on just how much God loves me right now. The mystery of God is that He loves each person the same way. I can’t. But He does and He needs me even with the stumbling use of His gifts to bring His love to those He places in my life. So I reflect on: • What are the gifts that God has given to me? Did I discover new ones today? Did I use them? If they are useless, they would not have been given. • How do I make my gifts grow? When I use them do I give thanks to God? What holds me back from gratitude? • In which area of my life do I find it difficult to risk? Do I ever ask God for help? • Has fear, fear of rejection or ridicule ever kept me from discovering or using a gift or talent? • How do I deal with failure? How do I help others deal with failure? Sacred Space 2017 states: “What can I take from Your story, Lord? The talents with which I grew up are different from other people’s: more than some, fewer than others’. Am I to take risks with them? Try out different paths, with the danger of failing? If we have a readiness humbly to receive God’s grace, then God can bless us. People who prefer to rely on themselves will ultimately find themselves with very little. When we know that what we have is not ours, we allow God to give us more; if we get where we are purely by our own efforts, we do not get very far at all.