Be a Good Steward of Your Opportunities in Life.

Saturday 28th August 2021. Read 1Thess.4:9-11, Psalm 98 and Matthew 25:14-30 

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)

We do not all have equal opportunities in life but we all have equal abilities to make the best of all our opportunities in life.

In the parable of the talents given by Jesus in today’s Gospel passage, the master had three servants. To one the master gave five talents, to another, two talents, and to the third, he gave only one talent. It always seems like some persons are more blessed than others but you see, just as our talents are different, our problems are also different. Avoid envy and never become proud.

Do not be so concerned about who got five talents or ten. If it is only one that you have, don’t bury it. Focus on your opportunities, use even your limitations and lack to your advantage – make the best of your unique situation.

Today, St. Paul exhorts us to mind our business: “We exhort you, brethren, to … aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you; so that you may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on nobody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12) 

The master called the servant who buried his talent wicked and slothful. We are wicked and slothful when, instead of developing our God-given abilities and talents, we focus on pulling others down. We are wicked and slothful when we live with envy, picking faults in everyone, complaining about our leaders yet failing to contribute our quota to a better society.

We remember St. Augustine today. His life teaches us one important lesson: Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Are you currently struggling to walk in the light? Do not give up. You too can be a saint. 

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, give me the grace to use up my talents while I live that I may die completely empty. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Augustine, Bishop, Doctor (Memorial). Bible Study: 1Thess.4:9-11, Psalm 98 and Matthew 25:14-30).