The Catholic Calendar
and Daily Meditation
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Gertrude, virgin
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
http://new.usccb.org/bible/readings/111611.cfm
2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31
Psalm 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15
Luke 19:11-28
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
The elderly gentleman had lived several years in the nursing home where I was employed. He wandered around all day saying very little, but when someone new came to the home he would go visit them, welcome them and find out their birthday. On their birthday he would appear at their door to wish them a "Happy Birthday!" At this point in his life, this was his main talent, that of hospitality, and he was very enthusiastic about using that talent.
In today's gospel, Christ talks about stewardship and our responsibility to recognize and develop our God-given talents. One day we will be held accountable to God for our talents. Sometimes the circumstances in our lives change and we emphasize one talent over another. Sometimes, unfortunately, like the man in today's gospel parable, talents get buried, never to be developed and shared with others. While we still have the time, let us take the occasion of today's gospel reminder to consider our talents. At our death may we hear, "Come, good and faithful steward!"
::: Joan of Jesus, OCDS | email: jmurphy(at)syracuse(dot)net