We started going to Church when I was around ten years old. And although not raised in a religious home, for some reason I remember this chapter of Matthew, especially the parable of the talents. In my Bible journaling, I pondered this story and how I used to think it was so unfair. Here was this poor servant of an obviously mean master. All the servant was trying to do was stay out trouble; he didn’t want to lose his master’s money and who would? But, his fear kept him from doing any good and for that, he was thrown into the outer darkness! Whoa!
There are times when I share something here, especially when I tip-toe into sharing about the struggles I have had with my mind…and I’m afraid. I’m afraid I will become a walking bulls-eye for the enemy to start attacking me again. I’m afraid I’ll regress back to that dark and scary time. I’m afraid I’ll be held up or pummeled down by someone reading here. And yes, there are times when I let that fear get the better of me. Some of it is legitimate; I have a husband, who along with me doesn’t want to spend much time examining or recalling that time. I also have children who were little back then and now early to late teens; my story doesn’t just affect me.
But, I also know that in those times when I do share the bits and pieces I am comfortable sharing, you respond. I get private emails saying anything from “Help” to “Thank You” and “You too?” If I am called to serve others by sharing what I learned in, through and because of that dark time–maybe not even saying “This was the specific struggle,” but by a general spirit of encouragement, then I have to respond out of obedience to the Father who brought me through it. I used the word “if” but I know I have this calling–some calling, to encourage you to keep going, to spend time with your Bible and to make it your own.
Let’s all pray I am using my talents as intended and not burying them. I don’t want the same fate as the scardy cat servant in the parable!
POWERful Bible Journaling: Matthew 25
P –Lord, use me. Overcome my fear and use me for Your glory.
O –This chapter feels heavy with responsibility to me. The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids warns us to be prepared or risk hearing, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” (vs 12) I just spoke about the parable of the Talents and how we have to invest what has been given to us so it will multiply–not for ourselves, but for God. And then the call that what we did for the least, we did for God.
W —vs 13…”Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
E –I do not really care for surprises. And I certainly do not want to be surprised come judgment day! This call to keep awake is a real one, especially as time marches on, because really Lord? Just when I think things in this crazy world are bad, they get worse. In the end, I want to hear, “…enter into the joy of your master.” To hear those words, I must…have to…live faithful to my vocation. I think it was St. Thomas Aquinas who is quoted as saying, “Do what you are doing well.” Let everything I do, be done well.
R –Lord, this year You inspired me to choose a word for our little homeschool. Although I would have chosen “obedience” or “truthfulness” or “kindness” or…my list can go for a while…You chose “DILIGENCE.” So this is our year to learn the virtue of diligence. And since I cannot teach what I do not have, diligence begins with me.
Please leave your POWERful reflections in the comments
Resource List:
My large print Bible
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament
Haydock Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible
The Great Commentary of Cornelius A’ Lapide
A Practical Commentary On Holy Scripture
Frice says
I love your DD. It still have to finish mine and this year I will suerly change somethings to make it easier. Scrapping everyday with a part time job and 4 kids isn’t that simple, but I love the concept.
Jenny says
Have you seen the things ladies are doing with their planners now too!? I’ve never been a scrap booker, but I can totally see where Bible journaling and planner journaling would be similar.
deb00 says
p- Help me to lead by example
0- the 10 virgins has always confused me because it seems so selfish for the wise not to share their oil because they want to make sure they have enough and don’t care about the others. I always think, well we are called to put others 1st so if they shared would God not make sure they still had enough for themselves. Maybe i read some of the parables to superficially. In the side notes of my bible it says the oil represents good deeds. So I guess that makes the parable make more sense—-Faith with or without works. Faithful use of ones gifts leads to participation in the fullness of the Kingdom, Lazy inactivity equals exclusion from it.
To the one who accepts the mystery of Christ He gives more understanding and to the one who does not accept He takes away the little understanding they have.
Jesus points out how strongly he feels about the beatitudes He gave us and expects us to look to see Him in our brothers and sisters.
E- Wow twice in 2 days the same message. Jesus must want to make sure He has His message of these readings thru our thick skulls
R- Lord help me see you in everyone I meet and serve them as they need. May i be prepared to return the gifts you have give men 100-fold
Jenny says
Lazy inactivity equals exclusion from it.
Great point. So I’m now thinking of this in light of your comment about the laxity at Mass.
deb00 says
Bless you for leading us thru this experience Jenny
Jenny says
You are so welcome.
Michelle says
Today, I want to combine 24 and 25 notes.
I also reflected on 24:13, “But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” I thought of how I started off strongly with this journaling and was feeling ready to quit. It’s that way with me regarding a lot of worthy endeavors.
I found synonyms for persevere very helpful.
persist, continue, keep on, be determined, see/follow through, not take no for an answer, be tenacious, hold on, go the distance informal: soldier on, hang on, stick to one’s guns, stick it out.
And verse 33, “In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates.”
It’s so easy to hear the “end times” messages without the hope and grace abounding parts. I find this verse very comforting and also exciting.
Please God, help me to have the courage to change the things I can and not be paralyzed by the things I cannot.
Matthew 25
10 virgins, Oil = good deeds
Talents ~ according to his ability. That makes things a bit less daunting.
Help me to realize my abilities. Thank you for blessing me with them.