As we continue on the journey towards Confirmation, this week’s readings coincide well with our Confirmation Program lessons and modules. We discovered the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we are blessed with them. We discussed how true happiness comes from relationships and how we live our life to the fullest when we live with love. This week’s Gospel reminds us how important it is to use these lessons and how they can give true meaning to the lives we live.
The first part of the Gospel reminds us of how powerful God is, and I’ve always questioned why we fear the Lord who is forgiving and loving. Jesus reminds us that he is holding us accountable for what we share with one another. He reminds us of the judgement God can place upon us. Though God created us with free-will, the Gospel reminds us that we all live with purpose to serve. Having the Gifts of the Holy Spirit - courage, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, right judgement, reverence, wonder & awe - isn’t enough. We need to use them, and the Gospel specifically calls out the Corporal Works of Mercy - feed the hungry, drink for the thirsty, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the imprisoned, & bury the dead - and it reminds us of the importance of serving others.
Today, we are faced with so many challenges with daily fears and dangers. Growing up we are taught to fear strangers and ignore people on the street. We learn the dangers of those incarcerated and the risks of our health, especially during this pandemic. But, we need to remember that we have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and it’s those gifts that will help us admonish some of the fears and dangers. Wisdom will let us know if something is safe, courage will give us strength to take a step for someone in need, understanding of others to help us make right judgments when we are unclear, and all of the gifts find ways to help us make decisions on how we can help others and ourselves. When we are care for others through the Corporal Works of Mercy, we end up bearing the fruits of the Spirit - charity, kindness, modesty, generosity, joy, self-control, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, peace & patience - and that’s when we find the happiness within ourselves. As the saying goes “There are no selfless good deeds,” when we help others, we cannot help helping ourself in the process.
As we prepare for the end of this Liturgical Year, we are reminded that the Holidays are a time for giving. Let us remember to give not only to those we know and love, but acknowledge those we don’t know directly that need our love and care. Let us find use of the gifts God gives us, and create joy and peace. As we prepare to celebrate Christ the King, let Jesus’ example be our guide this holiday season and be instruments of the Spirit. Let us work towards the change we want to see in ourselves and in our world.
--Noy