DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (B)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: Memorial of St. Augustine of Hippo -Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; ..." (Matthew 25:21)

Every act performed by man gears toward achieving either a positive or negative goal. It becomes negative when the output does not yield any gain, and getting a sound reward affirms the act to be a positive gesture. 

In the light of this, Evangelist Matthew in today's gospel pericope reported the parable of Stewardship, where Christ used in His teaching. (cf.Matthew 25:14ff.)

Obviously, all fingers cannot be the same. For the beauty of every hand lies in an unequalness of fingers. Anything short of this unequality, the hand lost its beauty and pride.

That is why, when the Chief household shared the talents he did it according to the strength of his servants. To the first "five", the second man was he gave "two", while third received "one". The sharing formula was devoid of sentiments but according to the strength of each one which the Chief household knew before hand.(cf. Matthew 25:14ff.)

As the time for the account to be presented on his return, the first two Stewards doubled their talents leaving the third who garnished his laziness with flimsy excuses. 

To the Chief household, he commended the first two servants in a similar words saying:

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; ..." (Matthew 25:21).

Beloved in Christ, what will be our recommendation after this ephemeral life and sojourn on earth? How accountable are we with the talents entrusted to our care? These and many remains our point of reflection this morning. 

Finally, put in your best in whatsoever you are doing. Do it such that in it you can encounter God in humans around you. Blossom wherever you are planted. Let go envy for you can not be "all-in-all". Then accept with gracious heart the lot God has marked for you.

Peace! Be with you. 🙌

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you 

Let us pray 

Most Holy God, we are grateful to You for leading us this far. Accept we pray the homage of our lips and grant us the grace to be accountable Steward. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.