Nov 15 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ As we are coming down to the last two Sundays of the Church year, we focus this week on a primary Christian concept: what exactly do I do with what I have been given? A truly Christian person knows that everything comes from God – including their very selves, their very lives, their very ability or talent to do anything. This means at the same time, that we of ourselves are nothing, nothing at all. One of Jesus’ chief reasons for coming to live among us was to make that fact very clear in our minds and to encourage us always to “celebrate our nothingness so that God’s abundance could come to us,” so that he could live and move and have his being in us, so that he could make and fashion for himself a people, a family, a kingdom as it would best be formed.

The gospel passage parable today then tells the story of the man who had been given five talents (a certain sum of money) who when his master returns later returns to him the five with five more gained by intelligent investment. The master is very pleased and rewards the industrious servant with a higher rank in his organization. We each have been given personal gifts and talents and abilities to use for the service of others first (for ourselves always last) – and when we use them thusly, we, in a sense can see the good works multiplied before our eyes – it is as though our gift and its effect grows and grows with use – this confirms the lesson of the parable!

The first reading today gives concrete example of one who uses her many gifts not for herself but for the service of her family and even strangers: a worthy wife whose value is far beyond pearls; who embracing her nothingness in imitation of the Blessed Mother Mary, gains the praise of all at the city gates.

When each of us simply does his duty – both as male and female – in the societal plan of mutual help and support, then all is well – but more especially if we do these things, as they only really can be done: empowered by the Holy Spirit of God who makes all things work together for those who love God.

The second reading today reminds us that Jesus’ return could be at any time. It encourages us to be ready in two ways: by prayer (by being vigilant and sober), and by doing ever more works of charity and human helpfulness out of love for God: this makes these acts fruitful and effortless and perfect; and stores up for us treasure in heaven.

Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord.

Whoever remains in me bears much fruit!