+ We have two interesting and timely readings today, as we
look forward during this month of November to “end things” – from the first
reading: we all have a talent and a purpose in life – it is up to us to
discover what they are, before the end of our lives on earth. There is
something that each can do to upbuild the entire society in which we find
ourselves living. And so, we don’t have to excel at, and be good at everything;
and if we expect anyone in our lives to be able to do this, then we are
deceiving ourselves, and putting a heavy burden on such a person.
Oftentimes children do this
with a parent, or parents: they expect their mother and or their fathers to “be
able to do it all.” “My dad can do anything!” goes the saying. This is born of
course from the fact that when we grow and develop from infancy, we notice that
are parents really are and do everything for us in those early stages. But, as
we grow up and mature, we hopefully reach a point when we know that this is no
longer the case, probably the same time we ought to refocus our belief in Santa
Claus.
This goes to administration in
a church or parish. To think that “the priest can do, and ought to do anything
and everything” in a 7000 member congregation is to still believe unwaiveringly
in Santa! To pedestalize a priest is the fault of the congregation: it is
called clericalism when the priest expects it. And this is a myth that is in
much need of modification, this day, in this age.
In the gospel passage, Jesus
tells us that ultimately everyone will be invited to the “wedding feast of the
King’s son” – actually, referring to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb of God – the
King Himself, when history runs out. A “wedding garment” is required of
everyone – good deeds done to others for love of God, and because God has loved
us first. “Oh, that’s easy!” we might say: but actually it is not quite as easy
as it might sound: sometimes we are all for doing good works for others, but it
is so that we ourselves can get the recognition and the honor and the respect
that is due. But unless and until we do give God the credit, the respect and
the honor for all of it: we may be sitting in the parking lot when the heavenly
wedding feast begins.
Yes, the end / the beginning
of the all new is coming – and using our talents for the good of others is the
entrance qualification: may we become even more qualified this day by our
thoughts, words and deeds that GIVE GOD THE GLORY! AMEN.
No comments:
Post a Comment