Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk  

Thirty third Sunday of the Year, A – November 19, 2017.

Readings: Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31; Responsorial Psalm Ps 127:1-5; 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 & Gospel Matthew 25:14-30.

Theme: Resourceful for the Kingdom

Introduction

Friends in Christ, like a perfect marketer, Jesus tells us that terms and conditions apply concerning the kingdom of God. Our reflection titled “Resourceful for the Kingdom” shall be weaved around setting our goals and targets right – for want of a better word, we shall draw lessons about “usefulness” as it relates to the gospel (Matthew 25:14-30) narrative which relates the parable of the tenants.

Explication of the Parable of Tenants

ü  The Man who went abroad – The man in the parable is Yahweh, the God of Israel.

ü  The Servants - The servants whom the Master entrusts is property are the Israelites.

ü  The Property/Talents: The covenantal blessings which include the Ten Commandments, the Ark of the Covenant and the Passover Feast among others.

ü  The Man with the Five Talents:  The man with the five talents stands for those who were forgiven by Jesus and went ahead to recruit others for the kingdom. Here, we have people like the Samaritan woman, the women disciples, St. Paul and the other apostles.

ü  The Man with the two talents: The person with the two talents represents sinners like Mary Magdalene, Matthew the tax collector, the Good Samaritan etc.

ü  The Man with the one talent: This man with the one talent represents the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees who kept pontificating while burying God’s gifts.

Pastoral Application

Our liturgy challenges us to use our time, talent and treasure for the glory of God. How can we achieve this?

Time: We live in time and space. Since we are finite beings, God would demand that we give account of our lives when our time here is up. As such, we must give God quality time. God expects that we give him quality in prayer, reading the scripture, and doing menial jobs in the Church like cleaning and clearing on Saturday. If God were to ask you, what did you do with the time I gave you on while you were on earth, what will be your answer? Will you say you spent it on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, taking selfies, idling away, committing immoral acts or robbing other people of their property?

Talent:  Most time we forget that all that we have and are comes from God. Your intelligence, smartness, resourcefulness, ability to sing or write; your ability to lead others and your sense of humour are all God’s gifts. It is crucial that we see our gifts as talents that God has given us to use for his honour and glory. If you know how to sing, are you in the choir? Perhaps you are a good dancer – are you a member of the church band? How about those who have the capacity to lead but would not want to be take of the Parish Council? Well, if God asks you at the end of time, what did you do with the talent I gave you, what will be your excuse?   

Treasure: Our treasure includes money and other material resources which are meant to be used for the glory of God. It is easier to use our money on purchasing posh cars, state of the art mansions, VIP wardrobe, extravagant perfume, exquisite wines and expensive travels/holidays rather than use it to support missionary work. How many times have we sincerely supported priests and religious in their apostolate? The poor, whom Jesus often refers to “the least of my brethren” die as IDPs while the rich have extra in their kitty. At the end, will your answer to Christ concerning the use of your treasure be positive?

Today, we are called upon to not behave the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees who buried their talents and even had the effrontery to challenge the Master. On the contrary, like a good merchant, we must trade with our time, talents and treasure so as to bear fruits for the kingdom.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. God expects that we give him quality in prayer, reading the scripture, and doing menial jobs in the Church.

2. It is crucial that we see our gifts as talents that God has given us to use for his honour and glory.

3. Our treasure includes money and other material resources which are meant to be used for the glory of God.

4. Today, we are called upon to not behave the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees who buried their talents.

5. We must trade with our time, talents and treasure so as to bear fruits for the kingdom.

Conclusion

The book of Proverbs (Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31) challenges us to use our time, treasure and talents wisely as the perfect woman who is beyond the price of pearls – whose husband has confidence in her – who is industrious and dexterous. Accordingly, St. Paul charges us in the second reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) to be careful not to allow the day to overtake us like a thief in the night. He demands that we learn something of the Lord’s eternal vigilance. We pray that the Holy Spirit will always help us to apply the terms and conditions of the kingdom while on earth so that the Master will say to us at the end of time: “Well-done, good and faithful servants…” Have a great week ahead.