33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today is the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day the Scriptural texts deal with resourcefulness and good management. The Old Testament reading presents us with a woman who is the ideal wife. She is a blessing to her husband, her family and her community. The manner in which she conducts herself, with wisdom and a work ethic, is lauded with admiration. She does all things well! In the Gospel parable told by the Lord Jesus the servants who invested their master’s money, which yielded interest, are praised by the master while the servant who did nothing with what he was given is condemned. This last one was fearful rather than resourceful. In today’s epistle reading the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that they are people of the day, not of the night, and that they must “stay alert and sober.” The day is designated for labor and activity while the night is meant for relaxation and rest. The Apostle reminds us that we must continue to be engaged in constructive labor as we await the coming of the Lord Jesus in glory. Remaining vigilant also means continuing in our management of temporal affairs. The manner in which we did this will accompany us into eternity.
 
The question becomes, how resourceful are you with what God has given you, that is, how are you managing the blessings He has given you? Unfortunately many are like the irresponsible servant in the parable, afraid to give God glory because there may not be enough for oneself. The scriptures remind us that when we use the blessings the Lord has given us with faith and prudence, God rewards us with even more. Our management and resourcefulness of our gifts from God brings blessings to others as well as to ourselves. Selfishness and the hording of God’s gifts bring us condemnation.
 
As we approach the conclusion of the Church Year 2017, the liturgy reminds us of “end times.” Next Sunday we will commemorate the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This will be the final Sunday of the Church Year 2017. This is the time we are invited to consider our own end in death and the accounting which we will need to make before our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
 
So are you getting ready for the end? The Apostle Paul reminds us today, “ For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
 
God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Father Zig