Saturday, August 27, 2016, St. Monica
1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21, Matthew 25:14-30
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082716.cfm
"OUT OF FEAR" (Mt 25:25)
" 'My lord,' he said, 'you let me have five thousand.' " -Matthew 25:20
The servant who received the five thousand silver pieces feared his master the right way. This healthy fear is evident because upon receiving what his master entrusted to him, he "immediately" went to work on his master's behalf (Mt 25:16). This servant had a spirit of the "fear of the Lord" and this fear caused him to "delight" (Is 11:2, 3) to receive the master's gifts and respond with "industrious and reliable" service (Mt 25:21).
The servant who received the one thousand silver pieces feared his master the wrong way. This fear is evident because upon receiving what his master entrusted to him, he was afraid to make a mistake "out of fear" of being punished (Mt 25:25). This servant had a fear that was self-centered, not master-centered.
If God calls us to a task, He provides the grace to perform the task. Because of challenging Scriptures like these, we may be tempted to "fear" to succeed in God's work since He has made it clear that success leads to even greater responsibilities (Mt 25:21). This "fear is useless. What is needed is trust" (Mk 5:36). Jesus makes it absolutely clear that greater responsibilities are first accompanied by greater grace (e.g. Mt 25:29). The Lord never sends anyone out without first empowering and equipping them for His service. Jesus trusts us with great gifts and great tasks. We can respond to the Lord by joyfully and fearfully exclaiming, "You entrusted me" (Mt 25:22), or by sullenly and fearfully saying, "You burdened me" (see Mal 1:13). Choose the right fear.
Prayer: Father, may I make "even greater progress" in serving and pleasing You (1 Thes 4:10).
Promise: "Come, share your Master's joy!" -Mt 25:21
Praise: St. Monica, entrusted with a great spiritual treasure in her son, St. Augustine, persisted in her mission to lead him to God.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2016 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment