Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31:  While the book of proverbs is largely focused on the education of young men, by other men, in a male-dominated culture, this passage is comprised of a poem, describing a strong woman. Previously, in this chapter, a queen mother counsels her son, the King, in strategies for ruling wisely. This chapter really illustrates how, even in biblical times, when it might seem that women had little power; they actually had great influence behind the scenes. It recalls for me, a quote my mother often said: “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” When she first quoted that, it puzzled me as a young boy, but as I grew, I came to see and understand the wisdom of that quote. Virtues of honesty, economy and hard work are extolled in this passage that praises spiritual virtues over physical beauty and personal charm. The wisdom of this passage can be extended to both men and women, alike.

Psalm 128: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”  Contemplate that when the author of this psalm proclaimed as blessed those who “fear the Lord,” the author is referring more to “reverence and respect for God,” and “obedience to God,” more than just “fear.” The second verse alludes to the fact that those who reverence God are guided by God’s Wisdom in their choice of a spouse and in how they teach and discipline their children and run their households. The psalmist concludes that those who reverence God in their lives have households and relationships, remarkable for harmony, peace and justice. Lives of people who reverence and are obedient to God are characterized by a heightened sense of serenity and peace. Let’s contemplate that.

1 Thes 5:1-6: As the liturgical year draws to a close over the next few weeks, we appropriately focus on preparing for the end of our earthly lives. As Advent approaches, we begin to get ourselves spiritually ready for death and begin to identify the preparations we must make for entering eternal life. After identifying actions and attitudes that demand our repentance, we must make efforts to admit and atone for diverse ways we’ve harmed others and fallen short of our duty to love and worship God and to serve God in other people. Remember that, in recent readings, we’ve been instructed by Jesus to care for others among us, as if we were caring for Jesus, Himself! “Others” include the poor, the disabled, the disempowered (such as the unborn, handicapped people, the homeless, the immigrant, the unemployed, etc.). Today, St. Paul exhorts us to be ready for when our Lord calls us home. Let’s listen and be prepared!

Matt 25:14-30:  In recent weeks we’ve been reminded that everything we possess… and… that even every virtue that we possess, is a gift from God; a gift that we’re responsible and accountable for using and investing, wisely.

As today’s parable indicates, we’re to use our wealth, talents and virtues, unselfishly, to help bring forth the Kingdom of God. We might ask ourselves: “Am I supporting the work of the Church, generously, financially? Am I using my talents, energy and virtues to serve and comfort those around me? Am I most often hoarding my resources or am I sharing them?” These questions aren’t suggested to make us feel guilty, but they are intended for us to monitor ourselves as to how well we’re living our Christian calling. After all, we have to live well to die well and live, eternally. Amen. 
 
Deacon Matt