August 28, 2010
Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
“After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’” Matthew 25:19-21
Piety
Psalm 33:11-15
But the plan of the LORD stands forever, wise designs through all generations.
Happy the nation whose God is the LORD, the people chosen as his very own.
From heaven the LORD looks down and observes the whole human race,
Surveying from the royal throne all who dwell on earth.
The one who fashioned the hearts of them all knows all their works.
Study
If we are not careful in reading and interpreting today’s Gospel, we might mistakenly conclude that the Lord wants us to pile up material possessions for him. However, let’s consider this story in light of our three tripod legs of piety, study and action.
Piety will give us a love of God and an acceptance that the Lord is our most important friend in life. When we believe in God and his son our Lord Jesus Christ, we are included in the Kingdom. Those who are excluded are those who refused to believe in Jesus. God chooses as his own those who have the piety to know the difference. So even if we are descended from the prophets and patriarchs (as were the people of Israel), that does not give us a birthright into heaven. Such a right only comes to us from practical wisdom (gained through study) and action to help others as if they were God.
From our study, the servant, who knows God, invests his talent for God’s purpose. These servants are good and faithful people who will then benefit from living in God’s presence. The servant who does not invest his talent is guilty of inactivity or lack of action. He not only neglected God but failed to gain the practical wisdom to know what to do in that situation.
As we learn in today’s psalm, “…the Lord’s eyes are upon the reverent, upon those who hope for his gracious help.” Thus God gives more – understanding and wisdom – to those who accept the paschal mystery. The corollary is that from the one who does not accept the Lord in love and express that in action, God will take away any such gifts of the Holy Spirit such as wisdom or understanding.
Action
God chooses the foolish to shame the wise.
God chooses the weak to shame the strong.
God chooses the lowly so that no one might boast of themselves before God.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is a classic summary of salvation history. Moses the slave became the great leader bringing his people out of the desert to the Promised Land. David the boy-soldier became the great warrior-turned-king who killed the giant enemy and led a great nation. From the womb of young Mary, a lowly pregnant teen from Bethlehem came forth the king of kings.
Who are the foolish in today’s society? Let us look to them for wisdom.
Who are the weakest ones in today’s world? Let us help them and share their strength.
Who are the lowliest in the society? Let us advocate on their behalf and show that we have the gift of practical wisdom and will act upon it.
