Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
In last Sunday’s Gospel, and in today’s, Jesus speaks on subjects about which most of us are uncomfortable: death, money, and judgment. Last week He warned us about storing up excess wealth in order to have an easy life for oneself (Lk. 12:16-19). Today, Our Lord offers another parable about servants who failed to be vigilant for their master’s return and found themselves caught by surprise and being punished for failing to do his will when He returned.
Material goods are only to be used for the sake of our eternal salvation. Life on earth is not a pleasure contest that continues into the next life. We are so foolish! Life on earth is a test of our love of God and our neighbor. The very fact of aging should be like an alarm clock warning us that our day of giving an account of our lives is quickly drawing near. We are all closer than ever to our particular judgment from Jesus Christ at our death (or His Second Coming, whichever comes first). How have you used your time? Have you practiced the Catholic Faith? How have you used your money? If you were to give an account of your life this very night what would God say of you?
Jesus challenges us to give alms to the poor in order to store up inexhaustible treasure in heaven. Be prepared because Jesus will come at an hour we do not expect. We are simply stewards of our Master’s goods. The Lord allows us to use material goods to help others toward salvation. The day of our accounting is approaching.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 