Faithfulness to Christ our Head
Readings: 1st: Prov 31, 10-13.19-20; Ps:127; 2nd: 1Thess 5:1-6; Gos: Mt 25:14-30
This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com
(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)
As we come closer to the end of this liturgical year A, the church encourages us to remain faithful and dedicated to Christ our head. As good servants, we must be devoted to Him. Also, we must be ready to give Him a complete account of our talents.
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Our first reading is from the book of Proverbs. In this reading, the virtuous woman radiates as a bright star. The term “virtuous” refers to strength, efficiency, or ability. Here, it refers to both spiritual and moral strength and the firmness of character (Ruth 3:11). So, she is virtuous because of the strength of her character and devotion.
The virtuous woman is good, faithful, and knows what to do to keep her family together. In addition, “she holds out her hand to the needy.” Today, the virtuous woman symbolizes the Holy Mother Church, which prepares us adequately to meet Christ our Head. She prepares us through her constant teachings and charitable works. Hence, this is a call for us to emulate the qualities of a virtuous woman. We must be as faithful and devoted as she is to our callings and God’s mission.
In the second reading, Paul presents to us a description of the conduct expected from a child of the light. He reminds us of the inevitable – The Lord’s Day. According to him, one of the most significant characteristics of this “Day” is that it would be sudden: “It is when people are saying, ‘how quiet and peaceful it is that the worst suddenly happens.”
In order words, Paul is simply encouraging us to be vigilant and active in our preparation for this day of the Lord. “Gregoreuo” is a Greek word that Paul employed to express the idea of a sleeping man that is always mentally alert. This state of mind is opposite to that of a person who is dead or unconsciously asleep. It is the position we should adopt as Christians while waiting for Christ.
Paul’s call is a call to readiness and to live with eternity’s values in mind. If we do, we will certainly enjoy a better life than those who compromise with the world. Therefore, we live like soldiers in active service (2 Ti 2. 4) and like the virtuous woman working to please her husband and children.
In the gospel, Jesus uses the parable of talent to remind us that we must be ready to render a good account of our talents. God has endowed each one of us with different talents. Each, according to our various capacities. So, as faithful servants, he expects us to render a good account of the “talents” we have received.
Jesus challenges us to be prudent and productive with our talents. Most importantly, he admonishes us to live in anticipation of His inevitable return. We must not wait for this return in idleness. Instead, we must be active and industrious with the talents we have received. So, we must use our talents to the glory of God.
As trustworthy servants, we should avoid indifference, apathy, licentiousness, sloth, and complacency toward our mission. These will not fetch us any reward from Christ. If we are faithful and productive with the talents we have received, Christ, our head, will also say to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!
frcanicenjoku 