From the Pastor to His People

10-08-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In ancient times, builders set the cornerstones (foundation or setting stone) as the principal stone, placed at the corner of the building, which serves as a guide for workers. All other stones refer to the cornerstone determining the orientation/position of the whole building. Often, it also serves as a reference for all other measurements. Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church He wants to build, and everything/everyone must start with Him as the foundation. Jesus Christ is the foundation and the most important part of building His Church. Everything starts from the Lord; He is the anchor and sets the direction and orientation of His Church. But also, Jesus is the stone rejected by the builder, who has become the cornerstone. So, consider it a privilege to share the experience of Jesus: rejected, persecuted, misjudged, or misunderstood many times. We take courage because although we may experience initial rejection like Jesus, we can also become the cornerstone. Jesus, the rejected one, is the Savior of the World.

The Parable of the Vineyard reminds us of vintage time. As stewards of various gifts, the vineyard owner will one day ask for the proceeds. Yes! At the end of this life, all of us will have to make an accounting before the creator. To remember the gift is good, but to honor the giver is the best. To show gratitude to the giver is to institute a pay back attitude and program. And unless and until we have a pay back perspective in life, we will remain takers and never learn how to be givers. People may live successful lives but not meaningful lives. When vintage time comes, may we not be found lacking and wanting.

Forget what the world owes us and concentrate on what we owe to the world. We who always think that the world should understand us because we suffered discrimination, mistreatment, and deprivation in the past will never grow up and live hampered by unnecessary sorrows, anguishes, and despairs. Perhaps the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi can bring some light into our minds: Lord, help me to seek not so much to be understood but to understand, to be loved but to love with all my soul.

Today, there are people like the good stewards who know the pay back time, but there are also many like the bad tenants who are not only selfish and ungrateful but constantly harbor malicious intentions in their hearts. What kind of stewards are we? Are we the like of those who are only after having a good time and forget the time for pay back? We are all blessed; the earlier we learn pay back time, the better for us. Life is a gift; every day is a blessing may we never forget the source of our wealth, health, and graces. Generally, what makes man unmindful and ungrateful of what they owe God for any blessing is when received often and regularly. Remember, any blessings kept and unshared become poison. The best way to honor God’s blessings is to be a blessing to others, too.

Pay back time is all about gratitude and respect. Gratitude tells us that more than producers, we are all recipients of so many blessings. RESPECT is knowing that there is something and Someone GREATER than ourselves. The day we learn to be always grateful and respectful is when we truly start our journey. A complete and meaningful life is not about having a good time but about payback time.