November 10, 2013 – Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Mc 7: 1-2, 9-14; Ps 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thes 2: 16 – 3: 5; Lk 20: 27-38
What does it mean to hope in the Lord? The seven brothers and their mother who are featured in the first reading from 2 Maccabees both know and understand what it means. One of the brothers declares that everything he has received came from God, and he hopes to receive God’s blessings again. Another brother speaks of the “hope God gives of being raised up by Him.”
Living lives of stewardship is living lives of hope. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul speaks of the “good hope” we have of God’s grace. Paul reminds us that the Lord “will strengthen and guard you.” The hope we have in the Lord is what gives us the total trust in Him which allows us to live lives of stewardship.
Jesus encourages us to have hope in the living God in today’s Gospel. A stewardship approach to life exemplifies our confidence in God’s goodness and love. We are to take His love and spread it among those around us through sharing and service. Reaching out to others, knowing that we are strengthened by God, is a natural and fulfilling way to live. Good stewards are optimistic. As Helen Keller once said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
