Children of the Light
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In today’s second reading, St. Paul implies that those of us who claim the name Christian should not be like the unbeliever, fearful and caught off guard when the Lord returns at the end of days.
St. Paul says, “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief. For all of you are children of the light and children of the day… Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober.” St. Paul is assuming that those who have been baptized now see the world differently than everyone else. They understand the bigger picture of God’s plan for eternal happiness for those who embrace Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. St. Paul implies that Christians should be able to read the signs of the times and always be prepared for the Lord’s second coming.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses a parable about “talents” to make his point concerning use of our God-given blessings. In the time of Jesus, a “talent” represented a large sum of money. The parable reveals that a man gave three of his servants, five, three and one talent respectively and then departed. Two of the servants used the talents to multiply their value, obtaining a large return on their investment, so to speak. The third servant, out of fear, simply buried the one talent he was given.
The parable challenges us to put the talents we have received to work, taking risks, so that what God has given us might achieve exponential benefit for God’s purposes. The fearful servant who received one talent buried the treasure, holding on to it tightly, thus neither taking any risks nor reaping any gains.
As “children of the light” we should see that our purpose here has eternal implications and that our time is short. We are invited to share generously what we have received: blessing, mercy, love, and peace. St. John Paul II taught that we are to be “gift” to one another, pouring out lives out in selfless ways for others. Thus, putting God’s gifts to work by sharing them freely and multiplying their value. What holds you back from being “gift” to others and letting God multiply his blessings through you? Is it fear, pride, greed, sloth or your own woundedness? Pray for deliverance from these barriers to your thriving.
The Master will return. He invites us to be generous in sharing the gifts we’ve received. What will he find when he returns?
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
