Where Do We Invest Our Faith?

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 7:36 pm Post subject: Where Do We Invest Our Faith?

Where Do We Invest Our Faith?

Scripture:

Who shall find a valiant woman? Far, and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil all the days of her life. She has sought wool and flax, and has wrought by the counsel of her hands.

She has put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She has opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor.

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31)

But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall so come as a thief in the night. For when they shall say: Peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief. For all you are the children of light and children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do: but let us watch, and be sober.
(1 Thessalonian 5:1-6)

For even as a man going into a far country called his servants and delivered to them his goods; and to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents went his way and traded with the same and gained another five. And in like manner he that had received the two gained another two. But he that had received the one, going his way, dug into the earth and hid the money of his Lord. But after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them.

And he that had received the five talents coming, brought another five talents, saying: Lord, you did deliver to me five talents. Behold I have gained another five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because you have been faithful over a few things, I will place you over many things. Enter you into the joy of your lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold I have gained another two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because you have been faithful over a few things, I will place you over many things. Enter you into the joy of your lord. But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know that you are a hard man; you reap where you have not sown and gather where you have not strewn. And being afraid, I went and hid your talent in the earth. Behold here you have that which is yours.

And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I sow not and gather where I have not strewn. You ought therefore to have committed my money to the bankers: and at my coming I should have received my own with interest. Take you away therefore the talent from him and give it to him that has ten talents. For to every one that has shall be given, and he shall abound: but from him that has not, that also which he seems to have shall be taken away. And the unprofitable servant, cast you out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(Matthew 25:14-30)

Reflection:

The sacramental family begins with a man and a woman. Through their selfless love for one another, blessings flow in many forms through which communities and generations are nourished. As with any endeavor of value, the partnership of marriage requires significant effort, but the fruits which may be brought forth, whether it is through children or ministry, will ripple through society and lives to come. Blessed are the man and woman who endeavor together in love and sacrifice for one another and the family they form, for many are the blessings of two hearts bound together in love and sealed by God.

The sacrament of marriage begins with great joy and hope. It is an investment of love. For it to flourish and grow, it must not be entered into for selfish desires, for if a man and woman enter the sacrament with self-centered hearts, they shall have nothing by which their bond shall be nourished. Darkness shall become their day and emptiness their night. With God in their midst, though, they need not worry, for even if they come together in earthly poverty, the love they allow Him to nourish shall yield a wealth beyond any substance of the world. If their hearts are open to His will, they will share many blessings beyond the nucleus of love by which they were brought together. With the blessings of God over them, their love shall weather many storms and their fruits shall bless the generations.

Not all are called to the sacrament of marriage, but all are called to share the love and blessings of the Lord. The diversity by which we may invest and grow what God entrusts to us may be found through a variety of means and ministries. The question before us is how will we respond to His call? Will we be like the profitable servant who invests and grows what is entrusted to them by their master or will we be like the unprofitable servant who simply hides and squanders the potential of that which was placed in their hands?

If we are unsure of what God asks of us, then, we should ask the Holy Spirit to lead us. If we open our hearts to Him, He will guide us to the work He desires of us and the means by which we may share of His love and His blessings. We should not worry as to whether anything is too much for us, for He knows the ability He has created within us. Let us, then, pray for the wisdom and strength by which we may minister to one another. Let us pray that we many not falter in the response to His call. Let us wake and endeavor each day to be the profitable servant and responsible stewards of His gifts.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we invest of ourselves to serve the will of God?

In what ways do our endeavors prepare us for our last day?

In what ways may we become a profitable servant of the Lord?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier