Aspire to live a tranquil life…work with your own hands…
Who among us would not want a tranquil life? Does the work you do give you satisfaction and peace?
Reading Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians and then reflecting on the Gospel, I wonder,
where is God in this parable? Where is tranquility?
It seems the master was a man to be feared, although generous to those who brought him profit. I am thinking of where we find ourselves today. Is it fear that feeds the master that gives him self-possessing profit and power? God is not present in fear.
I do not want to approach these reading as a lesson in economics or how we use our talents.
Each of us is given unique gifts to use in the building up of the Reign of God. We are not to be self-serving, but to live the new commandment: I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Love dispels fear. God does not compare or judge, but encourages and empowers.
I find the Spirit leading me to some prayers of St. Teresa of Avila, while reflecting on today’s readings. She wrote, God has no hands but ours! Today we read, to work with our hands. God is present. We are instruments of God’s love and compassion in our world. We are blessed and a blessing though our care, work and service.
Jesus invites us to live into greater freedom. He invites us to be free to grow into the beautiful persons each is meant to be, without fear but and with love. God created us, created all people, beautifully and wonderfully made. —Ps139.
I leave you with this prayer of St. Teresa of Avila:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things,
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
May you live a tranquil life!
May God bless the work of your hands.
Member of Creighton University Community
Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
