COPYRIGHT:FR. JACK MCARDLE, AND THAT'S THE GOSPEL TRUTH.
There will come a time when each one of us will have to give an account of how we have used the gifts that life brought with it. The Lord is fair, just, and absolutely reasonable. He doesn't expect anything from us that is beyond our ability to achieve. 'To whom much is given, of him will much be expected.' There are people who have very little of this world's riches. There are those who are disabled, either mentally or physically, and who depend on others for their every need. He is a God of Justice, and he will not look for a harvest where he did not sow. He does not demand perfection, nor is he into over demanding in any way. Most people I know seem to be doing their best with what they have. It comes down to goodwill in the final analysis. The very fact that I am writing this, or that you are reading it, is some indication of where our interest lies. The person who was condemned in the story is the one who did nothing. Christianity is about action that is inspired by belief.
We get one chance at life. There is no dress rehearsal. The only time is now, because it is the only time at my disposal. To live in the now is to be ever vigilant, so that when the Master returns he will find us ready for his return. For the servant who buried the gold, and did nothing with it, life must have been miserable, lonely, and without purpose. Jesus gives us a blue¬print for life and living, and it is the only way to find peace and purpose. We can easily forget that we are the ones who benefit when we obey his directions.
Living the Christian life should fill our hearts with gratitude. It is not possible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time. To appreciate the gift of life, and all the gifts that it brings with it, is something that should be foremost in our attitude. To have a grateful heart is a wonderful gift. 'How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child.' To appreciate what I have is to be happy with what I have. I may not be as gifted as someone else, but each of us has enough. I don't need the special gifts of another, even if I want them, or would like to have them. If God thought that I needed them he would have given them to me. As the old Irish woman said, 'You should never be off your knees thanking God that you're able to stand up.'
Can you identify some of the gifts life has bestowed on you? What are the things for which you are most grateful? How do others confirm you for the gifts that you have? On the other hand, are you aware of the gifts of those around you? Are you good at confirming others? The surest sign that you have had a Pentecost is your ability and willingness to confirm others. If you have the Spirit of God active in you, then others should be receiving confirmation from you. You cannot give confirmation if you do not have the Spirit.
