the last word
"Who is the faithful, farsighted servant whom the Master has put in charge of His household to dispense food at need? Happy that servant whom his Master discovers at work on His return!" —Matthew 24:45-46
Jesus will come back a final time. He will come suddenly and unexpectedly (see Mt 24:42, 44). Therefore, we must always be prepared. We will be prepared for Christ's final coming if we are always busy working at dispensing "food at need" (Mt 24:45). This not only means giving physical food to the hungry but also spiritual food to everyone, for "not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4).
No matter our calling in life, we all have the responsibility to share God's Word. That's one of the reasons we come to Mass or read One Bread, One Body. This gives us Scriptural material to share. The word "Mass" means "sent." We are sent to give what we have received (see Mt 10:8). "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted" (Lk 12:48). Share God's Word.
If we don't receive God's Word or if we hoard it by keeping it to ourselves, we aren't ready for Christ's final coming. He will punish us severely and settle with us "as is done with hypocrites. There will be wailing then and grinding of teeth" (Mt 24:51). Before Jesus comes on the last day, we must go each day and share His Word.
Prayer: Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, as soon as possible.
Promise: "What thanks can we give to God for all the joy we feel in His presence because of you, as we ask Him fervently night and day that we may see you face to face and remedy any shortcomings in your faith?" —1 Thes 3:9-10
Praise: St. Louis was a rare saintly king and died after receiving the last rites in the Holy Land.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
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