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News & Resources

Nov. 11: Wednesday Reflection

November 11, 2020

Dear Friends,

Being in a curious mode, I checked one of my resources, the book Lights, Camera, Faith…! A Movie Lectionary to see which movie went with this coming week’s readings. The movie was October Sky. I have never seen it, but the description was very intriguing. So, I will share some insights.

According to the book, “The film contrasts two world views, showing the limitations of underground mining and the limitless frontiers of space.” It is about the relationship of a father and son. Like the servants in the Gospel reading, the young son Homer is gifted with many talents but must struggle with his father (who thinks he should be a miner) to use them well. During these past few months, I have come to know many gifted people who are struggling to use their talents. I have also observed some behaviors that are tough to deal with. Entitlement, the need to be right, selfishness, and disregard for the opinions of others. “Don’t tell me what to do” seems to be the new mantra.

In the movie, young Homer, who is very talented in science, is at constant odds with his father. Homer has and does use his equivalent of the ten talents given by the master in the Gospel reading. Eventually, he teams up with another student who is also scientifically gifted. Because Homer has been faithful to his calling, he gets to “join in the master’s happiness” when he is hired by NASA to train astronauts for shuttle missions.

In this situation, working together and being persistent has paid off. I am wondering if we took the time to listen to one another and perhaps just changed our perspective on some things, this world might be a more peaceful place. During this pandemic, we are sort of stuck in the “limitations of underground mining” as opposed to the “limitless frontiers of space.” Change is hard, but without it there is no growth. I just read this quote by Trina Paulus: “To become a butterfly, you must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”

My prayer for you this week is for you to have that desire to fly. Let us also keep in prayer all those talented people who struggle to use their talents. May they be surrounded by friends who will cheer them on to serve the Father’s Kingdom.

Till next week,
Sister Theresita

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