In today's first two readings we hear a strong message from both the Prophet Isaiah and Paul who speak about life in this world, while not being of this world. As Christians we have to go about living in a world that is broken, full of trouble, temptation, and sin, however we do not have to be of this world. Certainly, we live in a time when independence and being the best, most powerful, and of greatest success matters most to so many people. Yet, the Word we hear to today teaches us that these people may think that they have it all, but really they are missing out on the greatest thing that any man can have, a a faith and life filled with love fostered by God the Father. Love is a gift that God gives to us freely, it is something that we cannot earn but just receive because we are His children. In the Gospel story we hear of the servants who work and expect something in return, one works for the entire day, another for half the day, and the third for only a few hours. The one who worked the entire day becomes jealous and mad when he learns that the third servant only worked a few hours yet received the same wage. This story is one that we can all learn from, it is not about what we do or how much we do it, but about what God does for us and how we respond and receive what the Lord gives to us. Certainly, the first servant missed out on the blessings that he was receiving because he was focused on earning a wage for the work he did. With God, we are all valued whether we do great things, or small things in great ways. It is not so much about what we do as how we use the gifts, blessings, and love that comes our way to positively love the world in which we live. The Kingdom of God is spread on earth and is among us so long as we love others as God loves us. Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians tells them that to be with Christ is the utmost blessing and greatest gift, namely death is gain, while life here on earth must be lived for Jesus. He also tells them that he would like to go to the Father now, however he knows that his work here on earth is not yet done and that the people of Philippi need him, they need his love. Love takes sacrifice, it is not easy while living in a world where competition, greed, envy, and pride are so ever present. Although, it is a challenge, the greatest gift of all is Love and this love that we receive while in an intimate relation with Christ and by sharing our lives with the community of believers must be spread throughout the broken world in order to make it whole and full of true life once again. For "Christ came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28) How great a position we are in. God loves us because of who we are, and what we do by sharing this power of love that comes from our Father essentially displays our Love to the World. Therefore let us keep this love in our hearts and know that we are the children of God who are to be love for the world, love in the world, love throughout the world. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.....faith, hope, love remain, but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13)
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