IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS OF LIFE

The Master is "a hard man."  Both Matthew and Luke speak of the Master's harsh dealing with the servant who buried his treasure rather than risk it and make more money.  Is this a good image of God, one that evokes love and generosity?  In a way this is the harsh Judging God.  In another way this is the Loving God who expects us to use our gifts to love one another, as Paul exhorts the Thessalonians.

Today's readings speak of being faithful in little things, using our gifts in small ways.  When I was a child I dreamt of being "Joan of Arc II" and doing grand and wonderful things for God.  In my 63rd year I now know that being faithful and loving in small ways is more humanly manageable.

For my birthday recently a friend sent me a card that said:

"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things...
I am tempted to think...there are no little things." 
             Bruce Barton

Some of us are called to make big "splashes" in life; most of us live ordinary lives.  Maybe that is why "random acts of kindness" became popular car bumper stickers and books!

Walking around Creighton's campus this week, before the students arrive, I meet many wonderful faculty and staff.  Each has been gifted by God and generously gives of themselves for the Creighton Community.  There is a person who is a receptionist with a warm smile and welcoming telephone manner, and a janitor who has been here so long he knows our names and chats easily; and a professor who is excited to say,"I just got married."  There is a department full of professors who sit attentively while a prospective faculty member presents a lecture, and a financial "wizard" who figures out how to find monies for programs.  We have a Creighton Community full of people who know how to be loving "in small matters of life."  I hope you belong to such a community too.

I heard a wonderful story of our final judgement.  God will meet each of us, show us a picture of our lives, and say, "see how much good you did, how many people you touched in life.  Thank you and welcome to heaven."

GO FORTH AND INVEST YOUR GIFTS

and remember to gratefully receive from others.