November 7, 2014
(St. Didacus of Alcala’)
Jesus said, “the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than (are) the children of light.” Lk 16:1-8
A child, at a very early age, learns that when he screams he gets attention. Maybe it starts out that he’s hungry. Maybe he needs a change of diaper. But as that initial call and response progresses, the child, depending on the response of the parents, learns that he just might get anything he wants, if he makes a big enough fuss.
And some children never grow up!
They can yell and they can cry, they can steal and even kill in order to get their heart’s desire. And some, as they learn the consequences of getting caught, then learn how to do it covertly. We are a very creative people.
And the driving force for all that creativity is always – the end result. Is it money that we so greatly desire? Is it power? Is it fame that drives us? Or is it even self preservation? If I don’t do this – I’ll lose my job, or my family, or even my life.
Jesus was rebuking his disciples with a parable that made precisely that point: asking them where the creativity, the prudence, the cunning of the “children of the light” is. Asking if their ‘true desire‘ really IS attainment of the kingdom of God?
And we might ask the same questions of ourselves?
Where are the evangelists who want to save the souls of those they love, at any cost, and with all of their creativity?
Where are the philanthropists who want to support the causes that promote life, and respect, and human dignity – against the immorality of a depraved generation?
Where are the missionaries who want to help the poor and the homeless and the hungry to find a way out of their suffering – just because doing that fulfills their own heart’s desire to share the love of Jesus and to gain a kingdom of peace and accomplishment for themselves?
Jesus didn’t want to berate his disciples for underachievement. He just wanted to challenge their motivation, like any good corporate manager would, in order to get the very best effort out of his people.
If we truly are the Children of the Light, beloved, (which we ARE) then let’s do a little shining, through our Love, and our Zeal, and our Commitment to saving souls – and most importantly our own!
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