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Appleton, WI

St. Mary Parish Blog

Nov 15 Homily Connect: Your Gifts of Treasure

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 15, 2020

PRV 31:10-13, 19-20,30-31  1THES 5:1-6, MT 25:14-30

Scripture

“After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five.
He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.  Come, share your master’s joy.’

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago

  • A standout among Bishops
  • His writings are many and illustrious
  • Most famous saying as he addressed young people: “You take with you when you die, only what you have given away.”

Our Family of Faith Financial Commitment

  • Good to remember Cardinal George’s encouragement
  • We are partners with the Lord in building up of His Kingdom
  • Our question is am I taker or a giver

We are Partners

  • In  maintaining the flow of goodness into the world
  • These are the Lord’s gifts to us
  • Everything we are and everything we have are God’s gifts to us
  • We are encouraged to give to others – it is the flow which builds up the kingdom

Talents Received from the Lord’s Hands

  • Become talents poured from our hands for the good of others
  • When we hang on to our gifts like the third servant, we fail to  partner with the Lord
  • The decision to be a taker short-circuits God’s flow of goodness

My Financial Commitment History

  • Thirty-seven years ago-St. Joseph Parish, Marinette
  • Today St. Mary Parish, Appleton
  • Partnering with God through Faith Direct

I’m Grateful for Your Gifts of Treasure

  • Especially in this time of pandemic-your gifts are critical
  • Thank you – Thank you – Thank you

Questions for Reflection

  • What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
  • What particular gifts has God overflowed into your life?
  • How have you poured those gifts back into the world?

Live Connected

  • Spend time this week reflecting on your financial commitment to St. Mary Parish.