If Jesus’ followers were as prudent in doing the work of God, as children of the world are in seeking after their own self-interest, how different would the world be?
Would that Jesus’ followers were as diligent at storing up treasure in heaven, as the greedy and corrupt are in acquiring earthly wealth. Would that Jesus’ followers were as meticulous at organizing charitable activity in their parish as the head coaches of professional football teams are organizing their teams for victory. Would that Jesus’ followers were as thorough at disciplining their minds and hearts against temptation, as professional athletes are in training their bodies. Would that Jesus’ followers were as painstaking in teaching the Gospel to our children, as the culture is in malforming them. What a different world this would be.
How have we squandered the time we have been given? ? How many wasted hours in front of a television? Or a computer screen? In pursuing mindless entertainment or social media status? How many wasted opportunities for visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, visiting the lonely? How many God-given gifts, have gone unused because we didn’t want to leave our comfort zone?
Isn’t God saying to us, what rich man said to the steward in the Gospel, “What is this I hear about you? Squandering the gifts I have given you?”
What would my life look like, what would my soul look like, if I was putting those gifts into practice with diligence, devotion, discipline, courage, and generosity?
Let us take serious accounting,, and by God’s grace, seek a transformation, a reorientation of values and practices, that our whole lives may be at His service for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That the Pope and all the Ordained may courageously call forth and order the gifts of all the faithful.
That our president and all civic officials will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for religious freedom and the dignity of human life.
During this National Vocations Week, we pray for an increase in vocations to priesthood and consecrated life, and that our young people may take seriously the missionary call of Christ, that they will turn away from the godlessness of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with the Father’s healing, light, and peace. We pray to the Lord.
We pray in a special way during this month of November for all the faithful departed, for those whose names are written in our parish book of the names of the dead, all deceased members of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, and our deceased family members and friends, deceased clergy and religious, for the repose of the soul of Bishop Richard Lennon who will be buried today, for those who fought and died for our freedom and for X. for whom this mass is offered.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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