As Jesus teaches us in the gospel, when much has been given, much will be demanded. I look at my own life with wonderment at how much I have been given. From a life giving home, selfless parents, a small, but loving, extended family, lifelong friends, the best education, health care, the gift of priesthood, and most importantly, faith. Like so many, I am deeply fortunate for all that has been given to me.
But the question remains: how am I using these gifts to help other people? Have I created a self enclosed world that is disconnected from the larger world where countless people suffer from so many injustices and inequalities? Have I become blind and indifferent to the sin of racism and my own privilege?
As followers of Christ we ALL have been given much: the grace of baptism, the Eucharist, a world wide community, the Communion of Saints, beautiful ritual, social outreach ministries, the witness of the laity, and a rich spiritual tradition of prayer. All these realities are not meant to be contained within ourselves and our limited worlds. Our faith, our religion, is given to us so that we become instruments in the world’s redemption and renovation.
The transformation of the world, fired by the paschal mystery of Christ, is quite a mission. We have all the gifts to make this transformation a reality. God is asking... demanding that each one of us do our part.
Peace,
Fr. Frank