Our  Gospel  reading  today  is  straightforward  in
reminding us of the blunt truth that the gifts of God are
not ours to dispense with as we please.  Neither does it
suffice to hide them away, leave them unused or allow
them to wither.  As Christians we are in the business of

spreading the kingdom of god.  Christ came to serve
and service of others helps us to grow in His image and likeness.
Whatever our gifts happen to be, and we all have a variety, we are
expected to
energetic in living the Gospel message.

The message in this parable is to make a great deal more of life, to
tackle it positively and with enthusiasm, by reaching out beyond our
own selfish world and taking the risk of sharing something of
ourselves with others. It’s worth remembering that the times when
we experience true happiness and real satisfaction are normally
those which find us completely absorbed in caring for the needy or
supporting a worthwhile cause.  In a real sense we come closer to
God when we help to further the growth of His kingdom on earth by
our actions.  The Lord Himself will reward us for the faithful
carrying out of our responsibilities as well.  The ordinary deeds of
love offered for the benefit of others may not seem to matter much,
but they are very important in the eyes of God.

Few among us will be given the opportunity of performing the
spectacular, but never forget we will be remembered for our little
daily acts of decency and kindness which we regard as nothing
special.  Ordinary work, when done
heart, helps the love of God to be made visible in the dark corners of
life. Our intention should be to do as well as we can whatever job we
are carrying out, avoiding apathy and the “couldn’t care less”
approach.  In this way, friends, we can offer back to the Father the
lives given to us, more fulfilled and enriched.  

May God help us to be faithful in the small things of life,
Fr. Hilary