Jesus spoke the above words to St. Peter and the apostles. We might not be expected to perform the works of St. Peter, but none of us are off the hook when it comes to serving the Lord. As Catholics, we have received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. We've heard the message of salvation. As the song says, "We have been told" about Jesus, and His cross, death, and resurrection. We've received Jesus into our very bodies in the Eucharist. We have been privileged to read and hear the sacred Scriptures, revealed directly from God in heaven. We've received the Holy Spirit and His gifts.
Look how much we have received! God would not be just if He did not expect a fruitful harvest in return for His freely given gifts (see Mt 25:14-30; Lk 12:46-48). What boss would not demand a good job from an employee He had trained so thoroughly?
Let us give our lives in service to the Lord – not grudgingly, but cheerfully and bountifully (2 Cor 9:6-7). Though we must bear a harvest, we are not God's employees or slaves; we are His children! (Rm 8:15) Jesus even calls us His friends (Jn 15:15).
Can you imagine how fervently the Lord longs to entrust "all His property" (Lk 12:44), the earth and its people, to His disciples? If we disciples of Jesus do not step forward to care for God's property, we are handing control to those motivated only by greed, selfishness, or power. Jesus expects "more" from us. Step up and get to work.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, so often I only think of pleasing myself. Transform my mind to think only of pleasing You (Ps 104:34). |
| PROMISE: | "In Christ and through faith in Him we can speak freely to God, drawing near Him with confidence." –Eph 3:12 |
| PRAISE: | Jesus delivered Robert from a life of selling and abusing drugs. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College