Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
It is with powerful yet somewhat violent imagery today that the readings challenge us to live and speak boldly for the Kingdom ofGod. The continuing story from the Second Book of Maccabees shares the image of a faith-filled family. The narrative has the family being tortured for their beliefs. As each brother refuses to obey the command of the king, they are executed, all this while their mother watches. The mom waxes poetically about how the creator of the universe gave each child life and to them they will return. Her statement is not defeatist though, as she encourages her sons to accept their fate with hope that a merciful God will reunite them all again some day.
The responsorial psalm picks up where the first reading leaves off. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. And the gospel completes the theme for the day and makes the connection with closing of the liturgical year. The king in the gospel contrasts the king from the first reading. The king in the gospel challenged his servants each to take the gifts they were given and use them for the good of the kingdom.
Truly we were all made to know, love, and serve God in this world, the kingdom that is now. Then we can be happy with God in the kingdom that is yet to come. To this end God has graced us generously with many gifts. No matter what those gifts or how many we have been given, they have been given for us to use. Unlike our materialistic culture’s stance, these gifts are not just for us. They are for the good of the community. The gospel’s stance may seem radical, but the challenge remains, we need to use our gifts to courageously grow the kingdom here on earth.
Consider a few gifts with which we have been blessed. Pray about those gifts. If one of them keeps coming to mind, reflect upon how one might more fully use that gift for the benefit of the community.
Generous God, You have blessed each of us with an abundance of gifts. You gifted St. Cecilia with a passion for her faith that was contagious as she drew others to Christ. Enlighten us Lord, that we might recognize specific ways to witness through God given gifts so that we might further build your kingdom. Amen!”
- Deacon Michael Montgomery