GOD'S TEAM
Each one of us must recognize the talent God has given us
as well as our ministry in the Church, and then do our best with God's help.
We are in the midst of
another season of Pro-Football. This rather rough game with its oddly shaped
ball and complicated rules has something to teach as a specialized team sport.
The player has his own talent and responsibility, and the team needs each player
to do his part. Most of the focus is on the quarterback or a running back, but
without a good offensive line a quarterback will never have time to throw
passes and a running back will never get the blocking he needs to make good
gains. Nothing will ruin a team quicker than the failure of each player to
accept and to do his part.
It's not about
"I, me, and mine" even though it has always been pretty popular with
us. St. Paul's
responds to this false image as he reminds us that, as Christians, we are "One
Body in Christ". He speaks to the Philippians, in today's first reading,
telling them that Jesus "emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness" (Phil 2:7). He came not to be served but to
serve, to do God's will, not His own. Not a single one of us is insignificant
in God's plan. Rather, each one of us must recognize the talent God has given
us as well as our ministry in the Church, and then do our best with God's help.
The people in the
Gospel who were invited to the dinner gave excuses for not accepting the
invitation. Resentment against anyone in the Church or jealousy over someone
else's position is also an excuse for not fulfilling our own responsibility in
the Church. As a faith-filled people we are God's team, and His will and
direction are what counts. In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "I will
praise You, Lord, in the assembly of Your people" (Ps 22:26a).
I bow down to You, O
God, so I can do Your will!