Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.
“Looking Ahead” is our continuing series of reflections on the Sunday readings by Father Perry. This week, we celebrate the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Perry.
By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor
When we give to the poor, do we give so that we will receive thanks?
Do we give because we believe that reaching out in love and compassion is a right or good thing to do?
Where is the reward? Is it in “getting something” from the person (“thanks”), or aligning our actions and our cares of the heart with something we believe?
Today’s Gospel speaks of multiplying one’s talents or burying them out of fear.
Using and giving our talents to others, using and giving our energy and time to others, and using and sharing our money with others are ways of multiplying.
Burying any of these out of fear freezes, paralyzes, stagnates, lessens, and destroys even the hope that something more might come about by the use of, or the sharing of, our talents, energy or time, and our money.
To put it in Gospel terms, “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” * e
Giving and sharing talents, time, energy, and money is the gift given and received.
Giving and sharing is, in itself, the reward.
This is the great secret revealed by Jesus. This is the key given to open the doors of inner peace and happiness.
Jesus understood this. Jesus taught this. Jesus gives this as a gift.
Every once in a while, people will say, “Father, after I have given so much money to the church, or so many hours of service, doesn’t the church owe me something in return.? Surely the church should make an exception for me.”
It is an interesting comment. When we give to the church our talent, energy, time, or money, we need to ask ourselves why we give?
Is it to give thanks to God for all he has given? Is it so we can be paid back in special favours?
Is it to be recognized? Or is it because we have discovered that Jesus’ words are absolutely true?
Hopefully, we can hear the echo of Jesus’ words in our heart, “Come, share your master’s joy.”
Quote of the week |
“The greatest talents often lie buried out of sight.” — Plautus.
Father Perry Dean Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com.
[cover image: Ray Sangga Kusuma | Unsplash]
