Someone once observed that when the Titanic sank, it carried people from all walks of life. Regardless of wealth, fame, or education, everyone aboard was faced with the same tragic fate. In the aftermath of the sinking, the Cunard office in New York could only classify survivors into two categories: “LOST” and “SAVED.”
In today’s Gospel passage from Matthew (21:33-43), Jesus reminds us that we are like tenants working in a vineyard owned by a Master who will judge us based on our productivity. Those who bear good fruit will be saved, while those who do not will be lost. It is vital for us to reflect on our lives and ensure that we fall into the “SAVED” category.
Do you recognize the presence of God in your life? Are you aware of someone greater than yourself who possesses deeper knowledge, broader vision, and more boundless love? There is a being who is infinitely superior to you and me—an entity deserving of our praise, gratitude, and obedience.
Are you living a life dedicated to God? Do you view your existence as a mission aligned with His will? Does your life exemplify service, love, and compassion for others? It is crucial to move away from a self-centered mindset and embrace a life centered around God and love.
Do you work for God? Do you acknowledge your responsibility towards others and understand that you are accountable to God in the end? Do you approach life with a sense of duty, or do you simply pursue your own desires and indulge in worldly pleasures?
Do you love God? Are you truly close to Him? How much of your time, talents, and resources do you dedicate to Him? Do you love God wholeheartedly, with all your mind, strength, and soul? And as a result, are you able to love your neighbor as yourself?
Just as there are trees laden with leaves but devoid of fruits, there are people in life who possess numerous blessings but fail to share them with others. They embark on showcasing their riches to the world, leaving behind rotten fruits. This imagery serves as a reminder to us not to hoard our blessings but to be generous with them.
It saddens me to think about how a select few can cause widespread suffering by exploiting and abusing Mother Nature for selfish motives. Similarly, corrupt government officials exploit the public under the guise of “public service.” However, we must not be disheartened when we witness those who prosper through wrongdoing. God never sleeps or turns a blind eye. He knows and takes care of each one of us in His own way. Rest assured, God will create a path and make all things beautiful in His own time.
I celebrated my 70th birthday recently with an evening focused on giving. The celebration commenced with a Mass of thanksgiving and was followed by a program featuring renowned personalities who generously shared their time and talents for a noble cause—assisting our missionaries. One particular act of giving deserves admiration: 82-year-old Annie Lukban won a trip to the Holy Land in a raffle and selflessly passed it on to 27-year-old Fr. Joemari Berme, SVD, who, in turn, gifted it to 70-year-old Fr. Joseph Panabang, SVD. Fr. Joseph had dedicated 38 years of his life as a missionary in Ghana, Africa. Let us give praise to God for the presence of kind-hearted individuals on this earth who uphold love and continue to give selflessly.
Let us pray for the ability to live lives filled with sharing, loving, and giving. Amen.
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