What does it mean to be entrusted with much? (or to be entrusted with more?) Who is the person worthy of great gifts?
Don't we all love to be found worthy? Don't we all like to be in charge? Don't we all love power?
To be in charge can mean availing myself of all I need (having things at my disposal). It could mean having the power to improve my lot; it may mean having others serving my needs!!
The readings however say the opposite and hence our challenge: to be in charge, to have responsibility/power means 'stewardship'; it means faithfulness to God, serving others. The believer/Christian/disciple worthy of great gifts is the one who remembers who he/she is and because of this, can't help but praise God by the way he/she serves others.
Abraham is given to us as the model of a true believer. He is first and foremost a man who passes the test of faith. A faith seen in an obedience/allegiance to God and serving God (the ultimate test he passes is the sacrifice of his son Isaac). He knows who God is and will serve him. He is even willing to let go of what seems most precious to him. He is held up as the model/hero to follow.
In our modern-day culture who are our heroes? Who does society lift up/showcase as models, to imitate? What do they put at the forefront? Are they stewards, faithful and trustworthy? Who do they serve first?
In the Gospel, what makes one the Faithful/Good steward? It is his vigilance, steadfastness; his concern for the Master, not self-aggrandizement or self-service. He is at the service of others.
An employer is one who overcomes the temptation to view his/her employees as ones to meet just his needs but those of others. He is a faithful steward (he is to be in charge).
A community leader who does not see the community as a stage for personal aggrandizement. He is worthy of many gifts. He is a faithful steward.
A teacher who does not use his/her pupils and a steppingstone for salary increase but truly serves.
A church minister who is not interested in personal honor, but sees himself as an instrument to serve others, is a worthy steward. He can be put in charge.
The example that Jesus leaves us of his self-emptying is the perfect template for the Christian life, of a true steward. We are challenged to adapt Jesus' style of life on our own.
Being in charge, being in power, means stewardship.
Fr. Anthony Mpagi, Pastor of Our Lady of Hope
All About The Mass
Readings of the Mass
LISTEN HEREto the Audio Recordings of the Readings of August 7th, 2022, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
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"The Lord be with you" is an ancient devout greeting, first seen in the Bible in Ruth 2:4, when Boaz goes out from Bethlehem to greet the reapers. We can also see the greeting in Judges 6:12, 2 Chronicles 15:2, and, very notably, in Gabriel's salutation to Our Lady in Luke 1:28. The liturgical use of this greeting likely dates back to Apostolic times.
It most certainly dates back at least to the sixth century, as mention of it is made by the Council of Braga in 563, and it also appears in the Gelasian Sacramentary of the same era. When the priest says these words to the people, he wishes them every grace that the presence of God brings. In such a short phrase, the prayer powerfully begs divine protection and the possession of all spiritual peace and consolation for the people as they enter into the liturgy, or, as they prepare to receive the priest's blessing. With the response, "And with your spirit," the people implore that the soul of the priest be filled by God so that he can offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass worthily. This response is taken from Saint Paul in 2 Timothy 4:22, Galatians 6:18, and Philippians 4:23.