To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required – Mar 12 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 12, 2025, where he emphasizes that Catholics bear greater responsibility for the gifts and knowledge they have received, yet can fulfill this responsibility by approaching God with childlike trust and seeking refuge in Mary.

Father delivers a powerful Lenten reflection on the concept of responsibility in our Catholic faith, drawing from Luke 12: 48, where Jesus teaches that "from those to whom much has been given, much will be demanded." He highlights how being Catholic is itself a great mercy, especially for cradle Catholics who didn't have to search or convert. This gift, however, comes with significant responsibility.
The homily emphasizes our call to imitate Christ in thoughts, words, and actions, fulfilling the greatest commandment to "love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul, and our neighbor as ourselves" (Matthew 22: 37-39). Father points out that Catholics are blessed with knowledge of the sacraments—frequent confession and communion—as well as devotional practices like the rosary and consecration to Our Lady. These gifts are tremendous blessings that increase our accountability before God.
When this responsibility feels overwhelming, Father reminds us of Jesus's teaching in Matthew 18: 3 that "unless you become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Being childlike in this context means running to our spiritual parents—Jesus and Mary—when facing challenges beyond our strength, just as responsible children seek parental help when confronted with danger.
Father emphasizes the importance of Mary in our spiritual journey, referencing John 19: 27 where Jesus from the cross tells John, "Behold your mother." He teaches that the redemption wasn't complete until Mary was given as our Mother. Like responsible children, we must do what is within our power while bringing our limitations to Mary with childlike trust.
The homily concludes by describing our Catholic responsibility as both "sweet" and "awesome," encouraging faithful perseverance in fulfilling our obligations to God before the final judgment (CCC 1021).
For Further Reading

Luke 12: 48 - NAB - To whom much is given - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?48
Matthew 22: 37-39 - NAB - The greatest commandment - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/22?37
Matthew 18: 3 - NAB - Becoming like little children - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18?3
John 19: 27 - NAB - Behold your mother - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?27
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1021 - Particular Judgment - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1021.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2030 - Christian moral life and the Magisterium - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2030.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #963 - Mary as Mother of the Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/963.htm
USCCB - Sacraments and Sacramentals - https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals

00:00 – Introduction and Greeting
00:09 – Responsibility in the Gospel
00:39 – Accountability at Judgment
01:27 – Greater Gifts, Greater Responsibility
02:07 – The Mercy of Being Catholic
02:47 – The Power of the Sacraments
04:08 – Becoming Like Little Children
05:31 – Turning to Our Blessed Mother

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 1st Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031225.cfm
1st: john 3:1-10
Resp: psa 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Gsp: luk 11:29-32

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1655

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