Opening Our Hearts To Those In Need
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A
The example from today’s Gospel of the master who gave his servants different talents reminds us that God is always giving good things to us, and we must share them with others. As we experience a global pandemic, many people are experiencing financial difficulties. In this situation, it is tempting to refrain from helping or giving to others for fear of losing what little we have left. It is very easy to concentrate only on ourselves and our families and think about doing whatever it is necessary to maintain our comfortable way of life. It is easy to forget to be open to others who are also in need; who are afraid and worried about the future; who are helpless and alone.
As we all know, winter is coming. Recently, one elderly widow who lives alone shared with me that during the past few years her neighbors have helped her by shoveling the snow off of her driveway every Sunday. Because of the economic crisis, however, her neighbors had to sell their house and move away. Fragile and alone, this poor woman is worried now because there is no one to help her shovel the snow off of her driveway so that she can leave her home for Mass or to run errands. And this is only one small example that represents many different people who are in need.
During this time of difficulty, we have the opportunity to take the risk of opening ourselves and our hearts to others and God. We must open our eyes to see those around us—our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need, and help them through good works, kind acts, a gentle smile, and offering our daily lives for them through prayer. We have received everything from God and from His goodness. So let us be generous in responding to God’s goodness by loving and caring for Him not only in our family members and relatives, but also those who might be overlooked and forgotten in our current difficult situation.
Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur
Readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 157
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