Spirituality - Reflection of the Week

November 23-29

Christ The King

Today's gospel story reminds us that, ultimately, we will be judged by how well we live out the social teachings of Jesus. We will be judged by whether we have responded to the call to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, welcome the stranger, serve those who are ill and visit those in prison.

As direct as we find this story's message, there is a danger in reading it in too limited a way. We might be tempted to limit the story to direct service to those in need. We must not forget that we are called to work for social change in the structures of our world and for empowerment of those in need. We are called to ask why people are hungry or thirsty or homeless or refugees or without medical care or in prison. We are called to look at:
~The structures that keep people from earning the food they need
~The policies that keep people in the developing world from a healthy water supply
~The economic forces that have some people living in substandard homes
~The government rules that make life hard for refugees and immigrants
~The failure of some to see basic medical care as a human right for all
~The injustices in our criminal justice system
There is also a danger using this story in too simplistic a way. Most people will recognize themselves as being both "sheep" and "goats". Most people have at some time answered the call to respond to those in need. Most people at some time have also failed to respond to the call to assist those in need. All of us are called to be aware humbly of both realities in our personal lives and in the lives of our culture and our nation. We might then judge the world in unfair categories of us and them as "good people and bad people". If we do this, we run the risk of simplifying the gospel message and preventing it from having its full power.

Our awareness of the injustices of our world will empower us to grow and change and be filled with life in solidarity with God and others, "so that God may be all in all".

>When have you found yourself to be a "sheep"?
>When have you found yourself to be a "goat"?

November 16-22

According to Matthew's interpretation, we find that for those who have been responsive to God's grace and have used their gifts and talents wisely, the reward is even greater responsibility. All of us know people who are and do much good for others. As a result, these industrious people are asked to do and to be even more, for even more people.

Those who refuse to use the talents they have, are left to "grind their teeth" with fear in the face of the truth. Fear cripples, brings indecision and is contrary to God's gift of freedom to choose. Whatever their motivation, those left grinding their teeth are in no sense happy or fulfilled in contrast to those who share God's joy and peace.

Matthew encourages a responsible and unselfish use of time in sharing God's given talents within one's situation. Not all have the same gifts and abilities, but the burden of responsibility is the same. We are to utilize to the best of our potential, those gifts and abilities within the time allotted.

In the "in-between time" of Jesus' resurrection and his second coming, Paul and Matthew advise us not to panic in crippling fear. They advise us not to be passive and indecisive, but to actively choose to reveal God's love in positive thoughts, happy smiles, kind words and loving actions.

Reflection
What is my pattern: panic, passivity or purposeful love?
What is my best gift: do I bury or carry to share?

Sister Annette Koss