23-10-24 Kamu Spesial, Jadilah Dirimu

Wednesday 29th week in ordinary time "Lk 12:39-48" Jesus said to his disciples: "that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating. But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more." This is the same as saying: "Do not compare yourself with anyone else because you are not anyone else". It's a very natural thing. When your mother asks you to clear the table, you check if your brother is also doing something. When you are told to load the dishwasher, you make sure that your sister also has a job to do. And when we do something wrong, we try to excuse ourselves by immediately pointing out others' wrongdoings. Comparisons are often used just to excuse ourselves. Like the boy who was asked by his dad if he had passed the last exam he had taken. "I didn't pass, Dad," said the boy, "but I was top of those who didn't!" What consolation would it be to fail to enter Heaven but be top of the list of those left outside? God doesn't give the same talents to everyone because He doesn't entrust the same mission to everyone. From some individuals He expects more because He gives them more. And you are on the list of the privileged ones. Not many people know that they can talk to God (like you do); not many know what you know about God; not many have had the Christian formation that you have. Some people still don't know what sin is, but you do. For that reason God will demand more from you than from others. The enemy loves it when we compare ourselves to others because that way we are being less demanding on ourselves. Others are not expected to give as much as you are expected to give, because they are not you. This would be like Leo Messi playing football in a school team. Surely you couldn't demand from the other boys what you would expect from him. And if he spent his life playing in that team it would be a waste of his talents. God has given you great talents also. He wants you close to Him. Mary, my Mother, don't allow me to waste my talents, to waste my life!