Credit and debit

The story is told about a professor who was explaining credit and debit to his accounting student. “Credit is when you work, earn, and save money. Debit is when you do not work, do not earn, and do not save money,” he said. The student asked: “What about when you do not work, do not save, and yet have money?” “Ah,” the professor replied, “that is kupit(filching).”

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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 25, 14-30), Jesus told His disciples about the Parable of the Talents. The Lord has given talents to each one of us according to our abilities, but the Lord will also seek an accounting from us on how we used our talents. In other words, to whom much is given, much is also required.

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From today’s parable, we are reminded that God is the source of our talents. We are just stewards. From today’s parable, too, we are reminded of the value of work, particularly that of hard and honest work.

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How is your work? Are you hard-working, or hardly working? Are you doing honest or dishonest work? In the end, what matters more than whether we lived a life of credit, or debit, is that we did not live a life of kupit.

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Why is it that some people seem to have more talents than others? Why is that some seem more blessed than others? Talents and blessings are God-given, true. But talents and blessings can also be developed and earned.

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It pays to be faithful in small matters. There are some people who have so much talent, but do not become successful. Why? Because of pride or laziness. On the other hand, there are those who are not so talented, but excel. Why? Because they do their best, and give their very best. The road of humility and hard work leads to success.

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May the Lord lead us from a “greed-ful” life to a grateful life. As we grow older, may we become less greedy, and become more grateful to God. And out of gratitude to God, may we become more helpful to others, especially to the poor and the needy.

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May the Lord also lead us out of “paycheck time” to “payback time.” As we live on, may we become less focused on what we can get, and become more focused on what we can give.

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“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” How sweet it would be to hear these words from God when we finally come face to face with Him! There are many beautiful things deep inside us that this world will never know, acknowledge, or understand. It is so consoling to know that the Lord knows and sees everything. People can malign, hurt, judge, and condemn us, but again, how consoling it is that God knows each one of us and sees what is in our hearts.

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Here are some thoughts worth sharing regarding money and money matters: “What’s the point of using our short and limited life chasing after fleeting and unlimited money? What’s the point of earning so much money which you will not even get to spend? What’s the point of losing our health in search of wealth when we were young, and spending our wealth to regain our health when we are old?”

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Our lack of talents and our deprivations lead us to dependence on and trust in God. Likewise, our talents and blessings should lead us to be humble, and to be grateful to God. Yes, credit leads us closer to God. Debit also leads us closer to God. But remember, kupit leads us farther from God!

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Recently I read these “Ten Resolutions from Pope Francis” on a stampita. They are worth pondering:

1. Don’t gossip.
2. Finish your meals.
3. Make time for others.
4. Choose more humble purchases.
5. Meet the poor in the flesh.
6. Stop judging others.
7. Befriend those who disagree.
8. Don’t be afraid to say “forever.”
9. Make it a habit to ask the Lord.
10. Be happy.

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Inviting you to attend the 27th Eucharistic Congress, with the theme “Eucharist in the Year of the Laity,” on Nov. 29 at St. Joseph’s Convent of Perpetual Adoration, 71 Hemady Avenue corner 11th Street, New Manila, Quezon City, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. The invited speakers are: Fr. Apolinario Ty, SSS (“Eucharist in the Year of the Laity”), Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD (“The Mission of the Laity”), and Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, OP (“A Eucharistic Spirituality for the Laity”). There will be a procession and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament followed by a Mass to be officiated by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, DD, bishop of the Diocese of Cubao. For inquiries, please call: 09266869348 or 7228828. Come! Let us adore our Eucharistic King!

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A moment with the Lord:

Remind me, Lord, that I am just a steward of my talents and blessings, and of my very life. Amen.