Word from the Pastor

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters,
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” — Matthew 25:29
God gives each of us gifts, talents, and opportunities to grow in our personal lives, in our faith, and in our service to others. What matters is not how much we have received, but what we do with what God has entrusted to us. In Jesus’ parable, the servant who buried his talent allowed fear to prevent him from putting his gift to work. Instead of making it fruitful, he hid it.

God does not call us to become rich merely in material possessions, but to grow rich in love, faith, generosity, compassion, and service. Even our limitations and struggles can become opportunities for growth when we place them in God's hands. With trust in the Holy Spirit, we can offer God all that we are and all that we have, allowing Him to use our gifts to build a better world.

Each of us has something valuable to contribute. Some can teach, cook, repair, organize, sing, lead, or care for others. Others may have the gift of listening, encouraging, welcoming, or bringing people together. The question is: Are we putting our gifts to work, or are we burying them?

Our parish offers many opportunities to serve: as lectors, ushers, choir members, catechists, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, volunteers, and participants in outreach programs and other parish ministries. We do not all have the same gifts, but we all have something to offer. The Church becomes stronger when each person contributes what God has given them.

We have also received the precious gift of faith. We are not called simply to preserve it, but to practice it, share it, and help it grow. Faith that is never lived, shared, or put into action risks becoming like the talent buried in the ground.

Let us not allow fear, indifference, excuses, or the belief that we have nothing to offer to prevent us from serving. God is not asking us to do everything; He is asking us to do something with what He has given us.

Do not bury your gifts. Put them to work. Do not hide your faith. Let it shine. Do not simply occupy a place in the Church; contribute to its growth and mission.

May we one day stand before the Lord not with empty hands, but with lives filled with the fruits of our faith, love, generosity, and service.

Happy Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary!

May our patron saint intercede for us and inspire us to put our God-given talents and gifts at the service of others, working together for the common good of all humanity. May her example of faith, charity, and compassion guide us in our daily lives.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us!

Rev. Fritzner J. Bellonce
Pastor