Today’s Gospel is a wonderful example of the importance of informed decisions and judicious action. The master in the parable is a fine steward of his land, his household, and the people, who are dependent on him. Jesus gives this situation as an example of the way we should take care of our faith community and our lives. Gather knowledge, wait for the appropriate moment, and most importantly, ask for the instructions of the Master. The Master sees the good of the whole.

In all of human life there is good and there is bad. In my ESL class, we studied American sayings and words of wisdom. Two adages reflecting this gospel come to mind: “Take the bitter with the better.” “Haste makes waste.” Surely, it was a bitter moment when our church roof collapsed and mementoes of over a century of devotion were lost. We are in a difficult moment since that sad event. We wonder. “What should we do?” “When do we get started?” During my first weeks here, I have met with architects, and parish spokespersons. Everyone feels an urgency to do something. While warning us that “Haste makes waste,” today’s gospel shows us how to get going. Seek the guidance of our Master. “Lord, what do you want us to do?” “Lord, how can I participate?” “Lord, your will be done?”

Let this Sunday’s compelling parable be a call to prayer, a call to every one of us. We are a parish of hard workers. We work hard in every aspect of our lives. The Master of the field of St. Anthony of Padua will direct us in the way, the amount, and the time-table for our work of rebuilding. Through our communal attention to this first step, we will forget the bitter moments and be present for a better harvest time. If we – each one of us - begin today, seeking guidance with fervent prayer, the answer will come, and it will be the perfect plan for us. The important thing is that we take this first step together.