Nov. 18, 2009, Wednesday

Read: 2 Mc. 1: 1, 20-31 Lk. 19: 11-28

Opening Prayer
 

“The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faith­ful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’” (Lk. 19:16-17)

It is God’s desire for us use the abilities He has entrusted to us, to discover and understand His will for us, and to build up the Kingdom by our words and actions.

He has spoken clearly. Yet we are slow to understand. We justify our actions (or inactions), confusing His will with our own convenience, advantage and sloth.

It is difficult for us to remain constantly aware that He is the Creator and Owner of all of creation! We are here to know, love and serve the Lord of Heaven and Earth.

To fulfill this task, the Lord has lent us all the necessary tools. Yet He is also expecting us to give an accounting of our service rendered with His gifts.

We will see real success in life when we return all things to God’s leadership and control! “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (Jn. 12:24-25)

Faith, loyalty and confidence in Providence are the essential at­titudes that will cement our abil­ity to work properly for the Lord.

The key to living and working for the Gospel is to put His gifts to use while resting in His infinitely strong and protective arms. It is an art and balance of abandonment, work, trust and humility that we all must learn to be true disciples.

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 49:9-10 “Too high the price to redeem a life; one would never have enough to stay alive forever and never see the pit.”

Our Prayer Continues