TOO SOON TO GIVE UP
Jesus told this parable:
A man ..called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. When he returned the servant who had received the one talent came forward and said, "Master, …out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground."  Matthew 25:14-30 
 
 
A story is told about an old man who approached the great nineteenth century artist, Daniel Gabriel Rossetti. He brought his portfolio of sketches and asked the great artist to evaluate them. Rossetti agreed, and he carefully looked through the old man’s portfolio. Then he closed it and gently, but firmly, informed the old man that the pictures had little value. The old man was discouraged, but he asked Rossetti one more favor.  He said, “Would you also look at a set of drawings done by a young student because I would like to have them evaluated as well?”  Rossetti agreed, and he began to go through the second portfolio. As he did so he grew in enthusiasm. “These are excellent,” he said.  “They show real promise. This student should be encouraged. Who is he? Is he your son?” “No,” the old man said sadly. “These are my pictures which I drew forty years ago. I only wished that I could have heard your affirmation then, because without it I gave into discouragement. I gave up too soon.”
 
Many of us are now weary of all we have had to adjust to in these months. Some feel as though they too want to give up. It is too soon! Our God has given us “talents” to use to survive and indeed thrive even in these days. Unless we claim our own worth, we will not be able to use the gifts that we have been given, and our lives will be ruled instead by fear. This is what happened to the last servant in the parable
 
So when your children push you to the edge, when you again fail to communicate with your spouse, when your parents still do not understand, and when you begin to become overwhelmed by all that surrounds you, Jesus says: “You are valuable to me and you have gifts you can use.” When school becomes burdensome, when you have to face someone in your class who is a bully, when things at work get turned around, and when you begin to worry that you cannot adjust, Jesus says, “You are worth more than many sparrows. I have gifted you with talents that can make a difference.”
 
Today claim who you really are: a beloved daughter/ son of God. In accepting that identity we will drive out fear and be able to use and not bury the talents our Father has given us. We are encouraged not to give up!
Happenings in the Parish:
 
Thanksgiving Food Collection:
We collect food donations beginning the weekend of November 21st
The food will restock our parish pantry supply and aid St. Vincent de Paul.
More information at the doors of the Church or in the bulletin on parish our website.
 
Advent Prayer Partners:
Why not join our Advent Prayer Partner program this year! It’s easy, click the link below for more information and to sign up. All are welcome and families are encouraged! http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=oof54qkab&oeidk=a07ehellcz35ea09185
 
Advent Evening of Reflection:
Join us for an Advent Evening of Reflection on Sunday, December 6th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Church. We will have Greg and Aimee Wasinski speaking to us about “Return to Me: Inspiration, Music and Reflection”. We are happy to welcome back our wonderful speaker’s from last year’s Parish Mission for this event. This event will also be livestreamed and posted on our parish website. Mark your calendars!
 
Christmas Nursing Home Gift Program:
Thank you to all who have already claimed a gift for a nursing home resident this past week. We still have some more gifts that need to be claimed, so if you missed it, don’t worry! You still have time. Please head to this site (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49a9ae2ba3f94-stlads) and pick one out. All gifts are due to the Church by December 4th. Thank you for your generosity.
 
Christmas Mass Counting:
With the continuing rise in Covid infections we want to make sure we take every step to ensure the safety of our parishioners. To accomplish that, we are asking that you and your family look for an email in the next week discussing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. It is necessary that you let us know which mass time you and your family will or may attend. This is not a reservation nor ticket; we are trying to assess the number of people to expect at each of the masses. We appreciate your input. Keep an eye out for the important email!