Matthew 25:14-30
Dear Friends. The message for us in today’s Gospel is clear: to realize that God is calling us to use our time, talent and treasure to increase the kingdom of God. Our call is to create and support life in all of its various manifestations. The seamless garment of life, from the womb to the tomb. We are invited to enter into and embrace the Gospel message of Jesus by always discovering new horizons of inclusion and acceptance and celebration. Our fundamental human task is to let reality open up the hidden presence of our loving God in all the varied manifestations of humanity.
We have to move beyond the “dos and don’ts” of religion. The third servant operated out of a narrow and minimal investment of time, talent and treasure. He sees a “go to mass on Sunday” as a nominal effort to satisfy a harsh and demanding judge who holds out the threat of eternal punishment. He puts God on the fringe of life, a necessary but onerous obligation.
The image of God is a central driving force in the story of the three servants. For the first two, even though they differ quite a bit in personal gifts, God was seen as a generous and loving benefactor. They see God calling them to life in every way possible. The invitation to responsible living was rooted in God’s merciful love.
For the third servant, fear was the consequence of an image of God as a harsh and demanding judge. This image relegated his world to a minimum of generosity and a maximum of evasion of any mistake. Love was just not a factor.
We need an image of God where love and mercy liberate and enrich us. We are empowered to advance in confidence with the gifts of our time, talent and treasure. God is calling us to share in the creation of his kingdom by walking with Jesus.
Today’s Gospel selection is in the context of the end of time for both the Church Year but more importantly it highlights fact that our world, personal and communal, will come to an end sooner than later. The gift of life expressed in our time, talent and treasure needs to cherished. It also needs to be developed as we face the relentless clock that moves us to the conclusion of our earthly journey. This responsible action is our way into the Mystery. There is nothing in life more important for us.
