The Scripture readings today remind us how we are to live as we await the Kingdom of Heaven. In the second reading, it tells us to stay alert for the day of the Lord will come “like a thief in the night.” Since we know not the day or hour, we must always be prepared for Christ’s return.  

In the Gospel reading, the master entrusts his three  servants with various talents, given to each according to their  abilities. When he returns, he finds that the first two servants have doubled their talents while the third servant buried his talent in the ground out of fear. Jesus is challenging us to do the best we can with the abilities we have been given.  Everything we have is a gift from God and we are given these gifts to share with others. What are some of these gifts God has given us? He gives us faith, the Eucharist, His forgiveness, His grace, and so many other things. If we hold on tight to these gifts and do not share them with others, we are like the servant who buried his gifts. By doing that, the little we have will be taken away. But if we serve one another, forgive one another, and love, our gifts will bear fruit and grow God’s kingdom here on Earth.  

The Blessed Mother is our perfect model. She accepted the greatest gift ever given, the gift of Jesus and, in turn, offers Him to all of us. Let us pray to Mary to help us be good and faithful servants and share our gifts with the world.  
 
--Kathy Hejna, Youth & Family Faith Formation