Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Melanie Rigney
“…Since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.” (2 Maccabees 7:23)
“I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Luke 19:26)
Piety
Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Let me be unafraid to use the talents you have invested in me so that I may return them tenfold, a hundredfold, or a thousandfold to your glory.
Study
GodTube's Catholic Channel
“To everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away,” the nobleman tells his servants in today’s Gospel. As so often happens in the Bible, this doesn’t seem totally fair. Why should the servant who turned one gold coin into ten also get the coin of the servant who stored away his one coin?
The latter servant tellingly complains to the nobleman, “…I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man.” Just as with that servant, sometimes we fail to serve God, because of our fear. We can worry about whether we will be forgiven for past offenses and what tomorrow may bring us.
We serve the Lord when we maximize our talents, no matter what our ministry may be. For some of us, that’s writing and public speaking and fundraising. For others, it’s reaching out to the poor, the hungry, the homeless and others in our world who cannot advocate for themselves.
Sometimes, we don’t go where God wants us because we are afraid of technology or controversy, just as the servant was fearful. Consider, for example, GodTube.com, founded about a year ago by Chris Wyatt, a Baptist theological student as a conservative Christian response to YouTube.com and the like. The idea is that Christians can upload and share videos that won’t offend anyone’s grandparents with sex, violence and bad language. Whether you’ll be offended if you’re Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim, an atheist and so on, well, that’s a different kettle of fish. Still, GodTube.com has a Catholic channel that includes pro-Catholic videos such as a monastery tour and a Spanish youth Cursillo clip.
In today’s society, like it or not, the technology of file and video sharing enables us as followers of Christ to engage with others around the world. If your talent is communication, don’t be afraid to share it in His name. If your talents lie elsewhere, support with comments those who make good use of this technology. Make the most of what you have. Remember, God is watching.
Action
As we head into the end of the liturgical year, resolve to make better use of your God-given talents in the coming twelve months. Make a list of ways you can make them grow.
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