Apparently many in Rome are awaiting words from Pope Benedict XVI during his Wednesday audience that there will be a Consistory -- the elevation of a number of Bishops and/or Archbishops to the Sacred College of Cardinals. A local Rome newspaper, according to Whispers in the Loggia, has published a list of possible names. The two Americans on the suggested list are the current Archbishop of Washington, Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Archbishop Raymond Burke, formerly Archbishop of St. Louis and currently the head of the Sacred Roman Rota. But now, back to the realities that impact our personal worlds. Enough "Tiber Gossip."
Surely the following is not unfamiliar to most adults: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." These words were penned to God's people by St. Luke in his gospel, Chapter 12, verse 48.
For a few moments, let's consider a twice-used word from that sentence: "entrusted." In our experience the word is often used with regard to something of value given to another person's care or concern. Sometimes we do not consider ourselves so blessed. Others are gifted more so than ourselves, we think, and we don't see these words applying to ourselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Much, very much has been entrusted to each of us. Consider the responsibilities you carry each day regardless of your state in life. All of us are "entrusted" with responsibilities that are caring moments for others. So, in fact, more is expected of us because we ourselves are the recipients of some many divine graces. Perhaps you might list for yourself what has been entrusted to you simply by being who and what you are.
In light of what might be announced between four and five o'clock our time Wednesday morning, the word "entrusted" surely will have a special significance for the lives of a number of individuals whose names may be announced in St. Peter's Square.
Let us stand in awe
of all God has entrusted to us.
