WHERE Our Hearts Lie….

November 19, 2023 – 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm)

We have just heard about the all-too familiar Parable of the Talents. The master entrusted some investments to his servants – each according to his ability. As accounting day arrives, those who did well to make the most of his investment were entrusted with more investments & responsibilities, but those who failed to maximize his investments were deprived of further investments & responsibilities. Such a simple business principle. You reap what you sow. Same as in computer language, it is called GIGO (Garbage IN, Garbage Out).

GIGO – reaping what we sow is perhaps one of the many obvious lesson we might from the parable of the sower. And perhaps, the lesson about held-in trust.

Held-in trust reminds us that all our possessions now are ours only in-trust. Meaning, what we have & own now are given only to us in trust. We are just stewards entrusted with what we have now. How we use, maximize & invest all that we have now are not for you to keep but for you to make life better for all. And what we do with our entrusted treasures now in this life is also reflected in our life with God to come. In other words, God’s kingdom is how we treasure God’s graces & blessings in our hearts. God’s kingdom then is where our heart is and should be.

Now, to learn more about the lessons of GIGO & Held-in Trust from the parable of the talents, consider also this other modern-day parable….

In a dream, a rich man found himself at the heaven’s door with two angels. The angels said: “Welcome Home, Sir”. He was brought inside a posh five-starred hotel, where he was also welcomed by his former staff, friends, family & colleagues who have gone before him. Glad to be in heaven meeting again his people, he was then led to his room at 175th floor. Coming down from the elevator, he and the angels passed through several VIP rooms. But eventually, he was led into a storage room near the staircase with only a cushion bed on the floor. Shocked with what he got, he complained: “That’s it? Only this pathetic room?”. But an angel replied: “Well, that’s only we can do & set up for you…. from the few materials & resources you have sent here.”

Remember Jesus advices us: “Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Mt. 6:19-20)

Set our hearts, Lord towards Your Kingdom at all times so that we may now lost our ways & not lose Your ways but rather live our lives here now on earth more directed and meaningful, and thus fully enjoy our being with You now and forever. Amen.