October 03, 2010
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The prophet exhorts: "Write down the vision!" During times of violence and destruction we must not only call to mind and heart God's vision of a peaceable kingdom but write the vision down. The vision is our hope and thus defines the mission given to us. Our vision is "Christ is Life!" Our mission comes from our name: "Annunciation." With Mary we announce "God with us" in Jesus Christ. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we strive to create a faith community of love and hope; of prayer, service and welcome; where others will experience in and with us that "Christ is Life." St. Paul, in prison, writes to Timothy to use gifts (love, strength and self-control) imparted with the laying on of hands to support the mission entrusted to him not to be ashamed of giving testimony to the Lord and having a share of suffering for the Gospel. The disciples ask for more faith to proceed with the mission. Jesus tells them that even a little faith in action can accomplish impossible things. But the disciples are looking for recognition and reward. Jesus admonishes them that at the end of the day they should not be looking for comfort and appreciation for they are "unprofitable" servants -- only doing their duty. Literally, the Greek word translated "unprofitable" can be rendered "without need." We don't have to expect repayment at the end of the day of hard work of faithful service for we are sustained by God's grace and in some measure already enjoy Life in Christ. For this we give thanks knowing God's vision will have its day.
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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
