November 16, 2008

"Everyone has their own specific vocation or mission in life. Therein, we cannot be replaced, nor can our lives be repeated. Thus, everyone's task is as unique as their opportunity to implement it." -- Victor Frankl

We are nearing the end of our liturgical year, and our concentration on Matthew's gospel. This week, Matthew is thinking about the end of life and gives us a parable about how to live a full life. God has given each of us gifts to be developed and used for the welfare of all. It might be some outstanding talent that is appreciated and acknowledged by society or governments. It might also be faithfulness to the ordinary day-to-day living, done with love and care. If we are living as God wants us to, we need not fear death or anything else.

There's a story about St. Francis of Assisi that says Francis was working in his garden one day and someone asked him what he would do if he found out the world would end the next day. Francis answered, "I would keep working in my garden."

With all of the violence and terrible things that we hear on the evening news, it is easy to fall into a pit of fear. To live in fear every day is not living. Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full." We are to live and enjoy and make the most of each day; which is all we actually have. We are not to live in the past or fear the future. If we remember that all we have are gifts from God, and that we walk hand in hand with God who is Love, we will be able to use our gifts to make our world a better place.