St. Anthony & Our Lady of Fatima

How could faith so small as a mustard seed make a difference?  After the Lord tells of what such an amount of faith can do, he relates an account of a master and a servant.  It is expected that the servant will wait on the master, no matter how weary the servant is.  So, too, we are to continue to follow the Lord, no matter our trials.  We do no ask for a reward, for this is what is expected of us.  Let us nurture our seed of faith so it grows until we are ready for heaven.

Sadly, the chasm between the rich and poor continues today.  As we ponder the Gospel, we need to consider whether we have become indifferent to the suffering of others.  The Lord hears the cry of the poor.  It is up to us to answer their pleas.

“You cannot serve God and mammon.”  This is a difficult saying for us, for it is tempting to think that we can be good disciples while also aiming to enjoy riches. Jesus makes the point that we need to be aware of where we focus our thoughts.  Is our vision aimed on God or an idol?  As we deepen our faith commitment, we devote more of our lives to God’s ways.  It may take a lifetime to be completely in service to God, but we need to keep that central to our being.

Cyprian and Cornelius struggled for unity in the Church, seeking to keep members together in spite of theological controversies and persecutions form emperors.  In this pastoral letter, we hear of the need to do well and please God, to lead a “tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”  Though difficulties face us, we seek wisdom so that our life becomes a prayer of thanksgiving that God glorifies.