PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
Saturday of 21st
Week OT
Dominican
Retreat House
August 31, 2013
GOD’S INVESTMENT
IN US ++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
“For everyone who has, more will be given and he
will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken
away.”
Ø
God has invested something in each one of
us.
Ø
That may sound a little dramatic and pietistic,
but it's true.
WHAT ARE THE
INVESTMENTS? ++++++++++++++++++
Ø
God has placed some “talent” in every human being
Ø
It may be a 5-talent intellect that can send a
rocket soaring into space - or a 2-talent ability to sit and listen to the
hurting child
Ø
It may be a 5-talent skill to write a great novel
- or a 2-talent skill to compose a heart-felt note of condolence
Ø
It may be a 5-talent ability to manage several
important projects at the same time - or a 2-talent patience to teach a
five-year-old The Lord’s Prayer
Ø
It is faith that enables us to discover that
talent and love that compels us to use it to reveal God’s presence in our midst
GENUINE HUMILITY
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
We tend to think of humility as understanding our
limits, that good people hide their “lights” and diminish themselves in front
of others
Ø
Not so, Jesus says in today’s parable
Ø
Genuine humility is to understand our talents and
abilities and our responsibility to use them for the good of all, not just for
our own profit or celebrity
RECOGNIZE TALENT
HOWEVER SMALL +++++++++++++
Ø
God has entrusted each of us here with some gift
or ability – some “talent” be it ever so humble
Ø
Remember the one who received two was praised
just as much as the one who received five
Ø
Our best gift to God is returning to him, whatever
the gifts we’re received, by giving them in the service of all God’s children
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
We thank God for our
many blessings
Ø
We also ask for the
wisdom to realize the talents we possess we do possess and the humility to use
them for the benefit of others, knowing that, through them, we contribute to
the building of God’s reign of compassion and peace
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
