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The American Dream.
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I’ve heard the American Dream defined as, “The belief that anyone can move from rags to riches, so long as they have enough guts and gumption, hard work and hope for the future.”
This belief in endless possibility is essential to our American values. So many of us believe it – and have lived it.
Think about how hard you’ve worked to have a home, to provide for your children, to save for family vacations, or to plan for retirement.
Hard work yields results.
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This is why Jesus praises the dishonest steward in the Gospel; not because he’s been dishonest – that’s never praiseworthy – but because he’s creative in worldly affairs.
Knowing that he’s about to be fired, this man devises a plan not only to repay his master, but also to forge new relationships, securing his future.
Like so many of us, he isn’t afraid of hard work or taking risks.
His life depends upon it.
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But do we put the same effort into our spiritual lives as we do into worldly affairs, say developing our careers?
Or are we content with a mediocre experience of Christianity?
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That’s the challenge in today’s Gospel – to put the same effort into our faith that we do into other areas of our lives.
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For example, some men pride themselves on being good mechanics – they believe they can fix anything.
I’m not one of them.
But Jesus asks us today, “Brothers, are you as good at fixing the wounds in your family or the wounds in your own heart as you are at fixing your car?”
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Many women pride themselves on their ability to dress well or to turn their house into a tastefully decorated home.
“But sisters, are you equally as creative in cultivating Christian virtues – charity, patience, and forgiveness?”
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Jesus might say to me, “Kevin, you put a lot of effort into golf. Are you as good a Christian as you are a golfer?”
“Well, Lord, at times I’m not good at either!”
But I should be.
I want to be.
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That’s our challenge – to put the same effort into our faith that we do into building our careers, updating our homes, or maintaining important relationships.
It’ll revolutionize the way we see ourselves, our neighbor, and our God.
Perhaps this means growing in patience; working hard at forgiveness; or becoming more sensitive to the needs of others. Each of us is different.
So where is the Lord directing my attention this week?
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America often rewards those who work hard.
But the Lord rewards us in ways the world cannot – with peace in our hearts, and the promise of eternal life to come.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in us the fire of your love… and you shall renew the face of the earth.”