We are nearing the end of this liturgical year. Next weekend with the Feast of Christ The King we will be at the end of the Church’s year. The following weekend, November 29th, will be the first Sunday of Advent and we move into Year B cycle of readings. Having said all that the readings for this weekend, November 15th, of the work we must in order to reach Heaven. These readings tell us to use the talents God gave us in such a way that when we die the Lord will say to us “Well done, my good and faithful servant!… Come and share the joy of your master”, words given us by St. Matthew in the Gospel.
The first reading from the Book of Proverbs feeds us with the wonderful idea that we should imitate the work of a loyal and faithful wife who brings out the goodness in everyone as she tends to the poor and needy.
The Psalmist sings about the worth of the Lord’s faithful servants and how we can obtain happiness and joy in this life and the next. St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians tells us all to build everyone up whom we encounter in the coming weeks so that we will all be “children of the light” and so when Jesus comes we will be ready to greet him.
The parable of the talents challenges us to do something positive, constructive and life-affirming with our talents here and now. Yes, we can all do this in our homes and families and also in our parish. If you don’t already do this then perhaps you would consider offering yourself to share in the various ministries such as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Reader, Usher, singer in the choir, volunteer to help with activities such as Church cleaner or flower arranging or anywhere where help is needed. Please give your name to the secretary, Jackie, who is in the Parish Office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. (Telephone 01323 486280 with answerphone). We have all been given at least one talent – the gift of faith – and it is our responsibility to work with that gift. So, please, put your faith to work and help it to bear fruit in the Polegate and Hailsham communities.
With my love and prayers. DJ