Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

The point of today’s parable seems to be that our pursuit of the kingdom calls for initiative, effort, exertion. Jesus invites us to make use of the opportunities that are presented to us.

Jesus reaches out to us and invites us to respond to him because he loves us, and because he wants us no matter how insignificant, how unimportant we may be.

The common theme of all the Gospel readings for All Souls Day is that the Lord loves his people and wants them with him forever.

It’s important to remember that we don’t earn membership in the company of the saints. We become members by responding to the invitation and the capability that Jesus confers on us when we are made part his community.

It’s not up to us to determine where we belong in the heavenly celebration. It’s up to God to do that. Our role is to allow God to give us the place that is appropriate for us.

We may not be professionally trained spokesmen for Jesus, but we are his representatives nonetheless. This call involves responsibility to announce the news of his salvation.

Jesus says that many will not be saved. And those who are will need to strive to qualify for admission. Superficial commitment will not be sufficient.