The readings today speak about my new relationship with Christ. In the first reading from Corinthians we learn that as servants of Christ, we must be trustful stewards of the mysteries of God. In the Gospel reading we are reminded by the parable that we have a new life in Christ. The new supplants the old. I am shortly entering retirement, and it is natural for one to become quite contemplative about the past as well as the future. What has struck me the most is how my life in Christ has developed over the years. As Paul mentions in his letter to the Corinthians: “do not make any judgment before the appointed time.” This is something I’ve grown to understand. My life is a journey that needs to be judged at the end when Christ brings light “to the motives of our heart.” 

Whenever I’ve put the worldly above the spiritual, things did not turn out well. This understanding brings me to my role in life that Christ tells me “the old is no good.” From a personal level Christ’s challenge is whether or not I fully trust in Him. Am I willing to grow as a disciple of Christ or will I revert back to old ways and burst the wineskin? This requires a 100% commitment to Christ every day. Being human I fail with this commitment on a regular basis. Progress, not perfection, is more realistic. So as I move along on my spiritual journey, I take comfort that the years have made me more cognizant of my failings, but also more willing to make that full commitment to Christ in my life.

The readings address a change of heart which put the responsibility on me to guard and maintain. How does this change of heart manifest in me personally? Am I a “trustworthy steward?”  For me this can be exemplified with family, at work or with friends. Life’s lessons have taught me that is done by walking as a true disciple of Christ.  When I become an example of Christ’s message I can and make my Christian lifestyle attractive to those around me, I can then begin to make disciples for Christ as a good steward.