Actors, not spectators!

August 27, Saturday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Monica
Daily readings: 1 Cor 1:26-31 and Matthew 25:14-30

We are called to be active participants in the mission of Christ.

St. Monica perfectly embodies the message of today’s first reading. In her meekness, she was strong; in her silence, she sent out a strong message; in what seemed to be foolish to the world; her prayers and sacrifices eventually led to the conversion of her son Augustine.

What a beautiful story to give flesh to what the first reading proclaims ‘God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong.

In the Gospel, Jesus again sends a strong message on the importance of our response to His grace. We are called to be active participants in the mission of Christ. To a fearful Christian, such is an immense responsibility that does not bear fruit for oneself. This is the reason why many of us behave like the third servant. We’d rather not participate. We’d instead not take any responsibility. We know the great sacrifice that comes with it, and for what? Nothing for ourselves.

In the Gospel, we see how Jesus was so pleased with the first two servants. How pleased He must be, too, when we accept that big responsibility to be part of His mission in whatever capacity or role we give. What is important is that we take part and play our part well.

I know how difficult it is to get volunteer catechists, committed parish council officers, selfless youth leaders, and other servants who can truly serve the Church and take the challenge of giving all and carrying all the burdens.

What is sad is that many prefer to be just spectators, not even participants with minor supporting roles. Many are like the third servant, not wanting to lift a finger out of fear. Worse, we are like the third servant in a way that we are too conscious of our own sake and lack confidence in God's great mercy.

May we all take inspiration from today’s Gospel and the life of St. Monica. May we find courage and assurance that when we embrace the great mission of Christ to bring souls to the good Father, we are in Christ and that the Lord will bless His people He has chosen as His own.