Am I a good and faithful servant?
On this 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time we find ourselves approaching the
end of both the calendar year and the liturgical year. Next Sunday, we will
celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – the last
Sunday in Liturgical Year A. It is a time of reflection and preparation as we await
the coming of the end times and our final judgment.
In today’s Gospel, the parable of the talents reminds us to be prepared for
the end of time – our Judgment Day. The Master entrusts his servants with
different amounts of talents before going away on a journey. The first two
servants invest their talents and double the amount entrusted to them; however,
the third servant, out of fear, buries his talent in the ground to keep it safe. When
the Master returns, he commends the first two servants for their faithfulness and
diligence, but he rebukes the third servant for his laziness and lack of initiative.
God expects us to use and be responsible stewards of the gifts, abilities, and
resources he has entrusted to us, including our faith. We are called to invest our
time, energy, and talents in growing our relationship with God, serving others,
and spreading love and salvation. Complacency and laziness in our spiritual lives
can hinder our growth and prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. It is essential to
regularly assess our commitment to God. Are we actively seeking to deepen our
understanding of His Word? Are we investing time in prayer, worship, and
fellowship with other believers? Are we using our gifts and resources to serve
others and make a positive impact in the world? By examining ourselves and
identifying areas where we may have become complacent or lazy, we can take
steps to renew our commitment and reignite our passion for God. This may
involve setting aside time for prayer and study, mentorship from fellow believers,
and continually seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.Our faith is a lifelong journey, requiring effort and dedication. We must grow
in faith, love, and obedience, so that when our final judgment comes, we may
hear the words of our Master: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Dear
brothers and sisters, as our liturgical year comes to an end, let us use this time to
reflect on our faith and love. May we be diligent and wise in our service to God
and one another, preparing ourselves for the day of judgment.
This week our nation celebrates Thanksgiving – a time to reflect and express
gratitude for God’s boundless blessings and graces. As we give thanks, let us
remember that our preparation for the end times involves living lives of gratitude,
recognizing that everything we have comes from God!I extend my warmest wishes to you and your families for a blessed and joyful
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
Thanksgiving. May God’s blessings be upon us and our beloved nation.