To Whom Much Is Given

"By Your Spirit, we are bold."

From Lions, by Skillet

When I was growing up in the 1960s, my most prized possessions were my Chatty Cathy and Barbie dolls (which I still have, along with clothes my mom sewed for them). The following decade saw the rise of Atari games and Star Wars. By the '80s, Rubik’s Cubes and Pac Man were the rage; the '90s introduced Super Nintendo, Walkman, and the ever-popular slap bracelets; and in the 2000s, the craze centered on Furby, Polly Pocket, and Game Boy. The toys, television shows, music, and movies defined each decade and planted the seeds from which our memories were born. It’s hard to imagine, given today’s staples of cell phones and electric bikes, what the next decade will bring.

It is almost impossible for most of us to envision not being able to provide the newest and greatest fad for our children, yet we know that so many people around the world struggle to supply adequate housing, food, and education for their families. In an effort to help our students understand how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation in the world, we are partnering with Awoda School in South Africa, not only to learn more about life and culture in another country, but to also share some of our treasures with others in need. St. Michael’s School is establishing a pen pal program with students in this Catholic School to unite two very diverse cultures together in solidarity and friendship. Our annual Walk-a-thon, which will be held during Catholic Schools Week in January, will raise funds for this noble cause.

St. Michael's School partnership with Awoda School in South Sudan

Today is the start of Quarter 2, and our students assembled in the gym for a prayer service centering on our yearlong celebration of the beauty of the Mass. Our Mercy Corps students re-enacted the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32), and students were reminded that, like the younger son, sometimes we choose to turn our back to God. At Mass, we return to God, our Father’s house -- a church -- where we are welcomed with open arms. And, just as Luke’s Gospel concludes with a feast, rejoicing the younger son’s return, we celebrate a joyous feast in the Eucharist where we reunite with our heavenly father.

Turning away from God is not just about acts of commission, such as being unkind to our family and friends; it is also about acts of omission, when we fail to share our gifts with those who struggle with life’s basic necessities. Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much will be required' (Luke 12:48), and we will indeed be judged by how we manage His resources and fulfill His will.

Deo Gratias,

Kathy