THIS 'N THAT                      

            Christmas gift-giving and gift-getting are certainly on people’s minds as retailers make a concerted effort to bring shoppers into their stores. One radio station has been playing Christmas music non-stop since Halloween and store decorations are already in place to entice reluctant buyers to spend, spend, spend. Flying in the face of a joyful (and profitable) holiday season is the element of economic fear. People are reluctant to spend if they’re unsure whether they’ll have a job and money to spend. Higher energy and health care costs may have left them with little to spend. It’s unwise to buy things you can’t afford.

            Today’s Scripture readings speak of gifts given and used (or not used). The parable that Jesus offers speaks to Christians who ask about what they should be doing while awaiting Jesus’ return. Clearly doing nothing is the wrong answer and earns a strong rebuke. Further how much you’ve been given is not an excuse for laziness. Whatever gifts we possess are meant to be multiplied and used for God’s glory and the good of others. Of course it starts with recognizing our gifts and disposing ourselves to turn from our fear or selfishness to trusting God and the moment and becoming self-giving. Not all of us have the same gifts, but we all have the same call to use our time, talent and treasure in this life to prepare for God’s kingdom and eternal life.

            Our parish council has been discussing ways to help people to recognize the gifts that they already possess and how to use these gifts for their own good and the good of others. Personal contact and witness seem to be two key strategies in moving people to trust in their own goodness and make a leap of faith for selflessness. Last weekend I had the opportunity to join some of our Knights of Columbus members as they went early Saturday morning to work at the soup kitchen Manna Meals in downtown Detroit. They, like me, were invited to give a few hours to provide a meal for about 250 people. I was moved not only by the generosity of those who came to work but also by the care and gratitude of those we served. I observed how even the poor have something to offer. It was certainly a moment of shared blessings.

            Quite a few activities are planned for the time between now and Christmas. Check our parish bulletin and our parish website to see ways that your talents can be used for God’s glory and the good of others. Don’t bury your gifts. Plan some quiet time in your schedule this holiday season and use the suggestions from last week’s GIFT program to find inner peace. We don’t have to get spiritually or physically unraveled to celebrate Christ’s birth.

                                                                                    Peace and joy,

                                                                                    Fr. Stan