Stephen Covey’s book “Everyday Greatness” points out “… occasionally the world witnesses a heroic feat or discovers a person with truly rare and

remarkable talent.” (Celebrations, 11-16-08)

 Covey said that most people are aware of another type of greatness that rarely makes the evening news … everyday greatness.  Everyday greatness is a way of living ….  For us a life lived for Christ and His Kingdom!

A few years ago, my roommate from college shared a powerful story with me, his name is Bill Baillie.  At Mass on All Saints Day his parish priest shared a story, the priest was talking about Saints to the parish school children and they were sharing many examples: Peter, Paul, Mary, etc.

 

One youngster asked if you had to be dead to be a saint?  He said people don’t become saints ‘til they are dead.  The young man said the man next store is a “holy man” and he is not dead! 

Are you a holy woman or man?  The Sermon on the Mount is the blueprint for sainthood.  Faith in Jesus Christ cannot be understood or lived without risk, our faith calls us to: care, give, witness, trust, love and hope.

We cannot do that without taking risks, and living the Beatitudes involves great risks.  St. Paul challenged the Thessalonians and us to stay alert.  Discipleship is hard and difficult work, which often involves tough choices; it demands our best effort and our total self.

Today we are reminded that all of our gifts, all of our talents have been given to us for God’s Kingdom.  It is up to us to figure out how to best use them for the Kingdom, knowing full well that someday we will answer to Jesus about our use of those talents!

May God Be Praised!