Three servants were given different amounts of money by their master to invest; two worked hard, one was lazy. The parable reminds us that while we are all given different resources and abilities in this life the Lord still calls us all to use what we’ve been given with wisdom and hard work.
The wise women in the Gospel today remind us that we are called to be prepared to live our faith for the long haul. Saying yes to the Lord is a crucial step, but it is reaffirmed moment-by-moment as we keep true every day to the teaching and example of Jesus.
The contrast between the first reading and the Gospel shows two very different examples of behavior. It begs a question: How does our faith help us to live in the routine and everyday challenges we encounter?
John the Baptist precedes Jesus in his birth, preaching and death. John’s witness to the Lord and the giving of his life inspire us to consider how we offer our lives each day to Christ…until the day when the Lord takes us by the hand at the hour of our own death.
Entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, Jesus establishes the Church upon a rock that hell itself cannot prevail against. Christ is the key; through prayer, sacraments and virtue we grow in grace through this life so that we can enter into the Lord’s Kingdom in the next.
The Gospel today makes it clear that what we say has to measure up to what we do. When our words and actions are in harmony, then we “practice what we preach” so that others will find in us a living witness of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Love – the Greatest Commandment – offers us an insight into the depth and breadth of the love that God has for us. Pause for a moment and reflect on a time when you experienced love in a blessed way. Now live that love today!
Philip brings Nathaniel (also known as Bartholomew) to Christ, changing his life forever. It reminds us that sometimes we have the opportunity to lead others to the Lord, and sometimes we need to open our hearts to what Jesus has to say.
Mary’s “fiat” to the angel Gabriel cooperates with God’s plan of salvation. Mary serves as our example, Mother, intercessor and guide. She’s also the Queen of Heaven, and through her witness we are inspired to draw near to her Son.
The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious! She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied. Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith – one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one’s life in love.