Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We have been blessed with countless gifts. We live in an age where we are afforded many luxuries such as air conditioning, endless varieties of food, safe travel conditions, and immediate communication across vast distances. Our ancestors didn’t have these things available, but we often take them for granted because they are so commonplace to us. These luxuries, however, do not begin to account for the gifts we receive from God’s goodness. Our very existence is a free gift granted by God, along with our families, friends, homes, and – most importantly – our salvation through Jesus Christ. All that we have is bestowed upon us by God.
Each gift, however, comes with some responsibility. My gifts are not meant solely for my benefit, but I have received them so that I can use them to benefit others. St. Paul relates to his fellow Christians that we receive different gifts so that we can support each other as many members of the one body. Just so, I use my academic gifts to teach in the seminary, instructing future priests about the Scriptures and the challenges of the priesthood. The servants in the Gospel parable also have responsibilities to carry out even when the Lord appears to be absent. All of us will have to account for ourselves and how we used the gifts we have received from the Lord. When we employ them for the benefit of our neighbors, we carry out his will, fulfilling the purpose for which he granted them.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections