The mother in today’s first reading addressed her son most beautifully, when she said, “I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.”
The entire first reading for mass today is absolutely beautiful, even though this mother’s seven sons died for their faith. This is what she said to her last remaining son before his death, “I beg you child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence.”
Creation itself speaks of God, even separately from known religion. The world is beautiful and so is everything that God created upon the earth, including us. The beauty of the universe is simply beyond comprehension for the average person. Everything that exists is a masterpiece, contained within itself. There is such beauty in a single leaf, a flower, a sunset. The human person is most the most beautiful creation of all. We are made in the image and likeness of God Himself. We are precious and valuable in His eyes. A single human life is a miracle, that will never again be reproduced on the earth. You yourself, are a living miracle.
Each one of us is unique, a precious jewel in our own right. No one can ever take away the beauty of our souls, because our souls are eternal. The only way that the peace, light and love that exists within us can ever be diminished or taken away from us, is if we allow this to happen by committing sin. The youngest son of this mother in the first reading for mass today understood this perfectly. The whole family did. Why have we ourselves, lost sight of this at times? Is it because we do not feel loved or valued by God? Do we not understand the eternal beauty of our own souls? If we truly did know the beauty of our own soul, we would never do anything to tarnish it in God’s eyes. These seven sons sacrificed themselves without hesitation, rather than remain alive but with a tarnished soul. They were true to themselves, and true to their God.
However, that was not the case with some of the nobleman’s fellow citizens and one of his servants in today’s gospel reading. Jesus told his disciples a parable about a nobleman who was despised by his fellow citizens, yet he went on to be elected King. Before he left, he gave one servant, ten gold coins who made an additional ten gold coins for him, during his absence. Another servant was given five gold coins who also made an additional five gold coins for his master while he was gone. Both of these servants were given the equivalent amount of cities to govern, now that their master had been made King. However, the last servant was only given one gold coin and he grumbled against his master and didn’t do a thing with it but wrap it in a handkerchief until the master returned and boy was the master mad when he heard this. The servant didn’t even put it in the bank and let someone else pay interest on the coin.
The King took the coin away from him and had it given to the man who had the most coins, or talents. It didn’t seem fair. Yet, this servant had taken on a greater responsibility and served the King well, he deserved the coin and the unprofitable servant did not.
Then the King had all the citizens that did not want him to be their King, killed before him. Note: Jesus is the one telling this parable and he did not condemn this King for killing the citizens who rejected him. People think Christ was non-violent, and he was, but he also recognized that more severe measures were sometimes justified.
The seven brothers in today’s first reading, died with honor. The citizens that rejected their King, died dishonorably in front of him.
It’s just something to think about today. What have we really done with our lives? Are we living a virtuous life? Are we prepared to leave the life we have right now, if we are called to do the right thing? What about our talents? Have we hidden our talents and abilities and kept them to ourselves?
Do you use your talents to serve God?
