Grow It

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111914.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to grow the things he gave us

Growth usually takes time. Back in grade school, one of the usual science project is to grow mongo seeds. Students are asked to plant mongo seeds in cups or pots and take care of them and make them grow. This is one of the faster growing plant, but still it takes time and causes one to be impatient. However, when one sees leaves sprouting, it gets one excited and rewarded for all the efforts done to make the seed grow.

This is what God wants us to do with all he has given us.

He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins
and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’
His fellow citizens, however, despised him
and sent a delegation after him to announce,
‘We do not want this man to be our king.’
But when he returned after obtaining the kingship,
he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money,
to learn what they had gained by trading.
The first came forward and said,
‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’
He replied, ‘Well done, good servant!
You have been faithful in this very small matter;
take charge of ten cities.’

God gave us different gifts – Time, talent and treasure, that we should not compare with others, instead, use to grow. Our gifts will not grow and be preserved if we do not use it. We should be generous and not reserve it for special occasions, for if unused, God may take it away from us and give it to those who are using what they have. No matter how little or simple or normal our talents may be, as long as we use it, God would be pleased, and God would make it grow.

Earthly blessings are simple gifts God wants to test us with.

If we can handle earthly, temporary gifts, then we show him that we know what is important, that we do not hold on to temporary things. Then God can give us heavenly gifts we can enjoy with him in his kingdom. The first reading and the psalm reminds us how we should use these gifts – not for our own benefit but for the praise and glory of God.

May we be ready and willing to share our time, talent and treasure as we build God’s kingdom here on earth.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to experience your love. Thank you for all the blessings you have given me. Lord, I pray that I may always be generous and share whatever you have given me. May I not keep these things to myself, but be ready and willing to share all your goodness to others, so they too may experience you more. As I do this, I know you will continue to bless me, not because I am doing a good job, but because you want me to share more blessings to others. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-