Faithfulness in using God’s gifts is the theme of this Sunday. The biblical readings call us to use the gifts received from God faithfully, wisely and responsibly.
St Josemaría Escrivá writes in his book The Way: “What zeal people put into their earthly affairs: dreaming of honours, striving after wealth or sensual pleasures! Men and women, rich and poor, old and middle-aged, even children—all alike! When you and I apply the same zeal to the affairs of our souls, we shall have a living and active faith, and no obstacle will then prove insurmountable in our apostolic work.”
The dishonest manager in today’s Gospel parable (see Luke 16:1–9) understood that he had little time left to act before every opportunity was taken from him. Do we realise that we are in the same position? Soon we will be dead, and then we can no longer do or change anything. Today is the day and the time to act and labour for the salvation of our souls, so that we may be received into “the eternal homes”. While gifts and possessions remain in our hands—whether spiritual gifts, physical abilities or material goods—we must use them wisely, for each of us will give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). “All of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil,” St Paul warns (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Lord Jesus adds that “on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter” (Matthew 12:36).
May almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. See you at church!
