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Our heavenly Father has chosen us before the foundation of the world and has called us to be His children. Through the sacraments He has made an eternal covenant with us. With this covenant we have received the promise that Jesus Christ will return to take His own unto Himself. Daily we pray that this promise may be fulfilled.

Already in our everyday life we are pleased when we receive a reward for some special service rendered or as recognition for a special effort. A gifted pupil that has learnt conscientiously is rewarded with good marks. A diligent worker finds recognition for his honesty and effort in the form of a higher salary. How great will be the joy of those on whom the promise of the Son of God will be fulfilled: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Our hope and joy in this day gives us strength and power to faithfully walk upon the strait and narrow way.   Matthew 7:14 “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

In the parable of the talents, the Son of God made it clear what He expects of us: we should work with the talents we have received from God and use them in His service. In so doing, we are like the faithful servant to whom his Lord said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

We also want to be faithful to our Lord and God. This we do when we remain steadfast in labouring, displaying the virtues of Christ, praying and offering. Thereby we have experiences of faith, gain insight and receive strength and joy.

In addition, we today already receive as a rich reward for our faithfulness the blessings of our heavenly Father. We do not take this for granted but see it as a gift of grace like all other gifts from God. For this reason, we take heed that we do not lose any of these gifts, so that we may receive a full reward: the crown of eternal life or, to express it differently: to be in the fellowship of God the Father and His Son for all eternity!