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Saturday, August 31, 2013

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1 Thessalonians 4:9-11
Psalm 98:1, 7-9
Matthew 25:14-30

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stewardship and judgment day

"The master of those servants came home and settled accounts with them." —Matthew 25:19

Judgment Day will be a matter of stewardship. God is the Owner of everything (see Ps 24:1), even of us (see 1 Cor 6:19; Gal 2:20); we are His managers. Stewardship is more than a full-time job; it is twenty-four hours a day, every day. It is our life in Christ.

Stewardship means not only managing money and material possessions but also time, energy, opportunities, talents, gifts of the Spirit, etc. For instance, the Lord expects us to be good stewards of reading this book, One Bread, One Body. Any light we receive from the Scriptures we are obligated to put on the lampstand so as to give light to all (Lk 8:16). Furthermore, when we go to Mass and receive Communion, we must become walking tabernacles and take the eucharistic Jesus to people who are desperately unaware of needing Him. We must give as a gift what has been given to us (Mt 10:8). "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48).

Be a good and faithful steward (Mt 25:21). Love God and share that love. Get ready for Judgment Day. "Come, share your Master's joy!" (Mt 25:21)

Prayer:  Father, may I never waste money, possessions, time, and opportunities by keeping them to myself.

Promise:  "God Himself has taught you to love one another." —1 Thes 4:9

Praise:  Joan, a busy mother of eight, eagerly shares with her prayer group spiritual insights and teachings as she receives them.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Judgment Day on audio AV 75-3 or video V-75.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013

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