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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Meditation
Luke 12:39-48

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." (Luke 12:48) As twenty-first-century Catholics, we have certainly been entrusted with “more.” We’ve been given a legacy of solid teaching, a long tradition of loving care for the neediest, a rich and beautiful liturgy, and a multitude of saints to inspire and pray for us. In our baptism we received forgiveness of sin and new life in union with God. Through confirmation we received the Holy Spirit to energize and direct us. Day by day we can choose to be nourished by the word of God in Scripture and the Eucharist.

Of course, with these many gifts we have also been given many responsibilities. Whether we are priests, nuns, religious, parents, or employees, each one of us is expected to work for the glory of God. Each of us is entrusted with the care of others. How do we exercise our God-given authority?

Like the servants in Jesus’ parable, we may be working diligently for the Master, making sure our fellow servants get what they need in a timely fashion. Or we may be more self-indulgent, using our position and superior knowledge to our own advantage. The choice is ours, and we have the resources to do what pleases the Master. Doing “more” doesn’t always seem like fun, to be sure. We may not like having to put in an honest day’s work when the labor seems pointless, or lending a hand with something that isn’t part of our job description. It may not seem that significant, either, as when we bless our children at night and read them a bedtime story. And it may be difficult at times, as when we need to encourage those who seek our counsel, or confront them with gentle correction.

However, whenever we put others’ needs before our own, we’re always rewarded in the end. When we exercise our God-given talents for the sake of another, we’re blessed by tapping into the overwhelming love he has for us—as well as for those he’s given us to care for!

“Divine Master, sometimes I am so burdened by my responsibilities! Help me to trust that you’re the one who takes care of my loved ones, not me. Free me to give of myself unsparingly, and to lighten their load with a joyful heart!”

Romans 6:12-18; Psalm 124:1-8

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

<< Wednesday, October 24, 2007 >>

St. Anthony Mary Claret

Romans 6:12-18

Psalm 124

Luke 12:39-48

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REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

"When much has been given a man, much will be required of him." —Luke 12:48

Many of you reading this book have accepted Jesus as Lord of your lives and have been filled with the Holy Spirit. You are children of God. Many of you know, love, and live God's word. Many also celebrate Mass and receive Holy Communion daily, or as often as possible. You are greatly blessed (Mt 13:16). God became a human being to die for you. You share in His resurrection. The Trinity lives within you. You are a member of Christ's body. You have authority over every demon and disease (Mt 10:1). Because of your faith, you can do greater by far than even Jesus did (Jn 14:12).

We are not only privileged but also responsible. "More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). Because of what the Lord has revealed to us and done in our lives, we deserve a severe beating if we fail to give as a gift what He has given to us (Lk 12:47-48; Mt 10:8). We are rightly held to a stricter account (see Jas 3:1).

The Lord must demand much more from us than others because we are His mouth, hands and feet — members of His body. Because He wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4), He must insist on our spreading the good news of His death and resurrection. The Lord must make strict demands on the saved because He greatly desires to save the lost.

Prayer: Father, by Your grace may I meet Your expectations.

Promise: "Thanks be to God, though once you were slaves of sin, you sincerely obeyed that rule of teaching which was imparted to you; freed from your sin, you became slaves of justice." —Rm 6:17-18

Praise: St. Anthony Mary Claret founded the Teaching Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Cuba, and a museum, library, schools, and laboratory back in Spain.