Pastor's Page: ""It Is In Giving That We Receive"- (the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi)

October 18, 2009

"Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God." (Luke 12. 21)
      Acquiring, getting, hoarding, consuming are all words that describe ego desires. "Give up all that you have and come follow me". The call to discipleship is one of surrender and ego annihilation, placing our lives in the gracious care of the master.
      This is where mysteriously, happiness lies. Being a Christian disciple is a joyful and rewarding life. The happiness that we receive comes from living a life of love. Love means thinking first of the other person. When we live this way we find the true meaning and purpose of life.
      The Gospels of Matthew and Luke relate a similar parable told by Jesus. A man goes on a journey and leaves his wealth in silver pieces to be cared for by three servants. When the master returns, he finds that two of the three servants responded wisely, investing the money and turning a profit. But the third servant, fearful of the master and anxious about the treasure entrusted to him, buries the silver pieces in the ground and earns nothing. When the master returns, his timidity is rebuked and punished.
      Three stewards are blessed with the Master’s trust and confidence. All three are asked to manage the Master’s business affairs while he is away. All three are accountable to the master. Everything that they receive is a gift of confidence in their abilities.
      Of course, the parable of the silver pieces is about more than treasure. Everything we have comes from our good and generous God. Family, friends, educational and work opportunities, material goods, intellectual prowess, spiritual gifts like faith, hope, and love, the very world in which we live: all come as gifts from the creator. One day we will be called to an accounting. Our master, who loves us immeasurably, would like a response in love. Will we bury our talents out of fear, or courageously and confidently use them for the glory of God?
      Jesus challenges us to give to others as God has given to us.
      The depths of our response to the love of Jesus can be measured to a certain extent.      
How generous am I in contributing valuable time to service in the church and in the civic community?
How generous am I in donating a portion of the salary God has given me for those who are less fortunate?
"Everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand." (Matthew 7. 24, 26)

Peace, Father Bruce