Daily reflection _ God's team

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.
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
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!