The LORD entrusts coins to the servants in the gospel reading today. What has he entrusted to us? What are the special graces which we are in a unique position to share? What can we do for others? What can we do to build the kingdom? How can we invest the time, talent, and treasure which are gifts from the LORD, so that we at least gain interest and hopefully bear much fruit?
From beginning to end there must be fidelity to the word of God. This is the bank the keeps safe the coin and allows it to bear interest. Without fidelity to the word of God the coin is just an idea stashed away somewhere with no power to generate wealth. With fidelity, the word bears fruit.
Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother,
who saw her seven sons perish in a single day,
yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord.
Sometimes we're tempted to hide the coin so we don't have to suffer for having it. This is the risk. This is the fear. But the mother in today's first reading sees beyond this fear. She realizes that if she is faithful to the LORD, even if her coin is taken from her she will receive it back again.
Do not be afraid of this executioner,
but be worthy of your brothers and accept death,
so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them.
What do we do with the gifts the LORD gives us? We put them to work as we obey his word. We only lose if we refuse to play. No matter the challenge, no matter the obstacles, if we step out in faith trusting in God and obeying his word we have nothing to fear.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
But I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
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