Holy Wisdom Church
Interestingly, the gospel this
morning comes after the parable of the talents given to the three servants. On
the king’s return, judgment is passed on how the three servants used the gifts
he had given to them. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, all the holy
angels come with him and witness his divine judgement over all.
Consider an interesting side
note: the example Jesus uses about shepherds separating goats from sheep was
the practical one of needing to shear the sheep, not that there was anything
wrong with the goats. True, he did threaten the one group with dire punishment
to help them realize how important it is to love one another.
It is God’s love for all those
brought into being that expresses itself foremost in the desire not only to
save us, but to bring us into relationship with each other. All the good things
we do encourage a relationship with
the rest of humankind, which Jesus is assuring his listeners that the good
things they do, they are also doing to him. What a wonderful lesson in
understanding the Mystical Body of Christ! 0
As we prepare for this coming
Lent—which is only a week away—what are we prepared to do or to think about
that will enable us to love others the way God seems to want us to do? Are we
already doing the most that we can do? The church encourages us to fast and to abstain
from certain foods. Self-control in this
area can be a very good thing. Scripture, however, indicates there are other
areas where self-control is even more expedient.
I recently came across a list of areas of
fasting and feasting. I won’t list
all of them, as you can add your own specific needs or weaknesses.
Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from discontent; Feast on
gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from complaining; Feast
on appreciation.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on
forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern, Feast
on compassion for others.
Paul tells us to let Christ’s peace be the
“umpire” of our hearts. Our hearts are the center of our conflicts because our
desires and feelings clash—our fears and hopes, our distrust and trust, our
jealousy and love. Paul explains that we deal with these conflicts and live as
God wants by deciding between conflicting elements on the basis of peace. Which
choice will promote peace in us and others? Such love is not a feeling but a decision to
meet others’ needs. It leads to peace between individuals and among members of
the human race. If we see someone who needs help and we are able to help,
always help.
There are copies of a list of
Fasts and feasts by the door. Please help yourself0, and add your own if you
would find it helpful.
Loving Christians work
together despite differences.
