OCTOBER 21, 2026 FATHER HENK VAN MEIJEL
This reading, when we read it on a personal level, then it really should touch our hearts. And it is really meant for all of us. To be good stewards.
And of course, a steward’s anyone in a position of leadership. If it’s a priest, bishops, cardinals… Parents. Mothers, fathers… Much is expected. To be examples. To be a good steward of our worldly possessions, but also to show the faith, to be stewards of the faith. And not to be afraid.
And especially in our secular world, where the faith is kind of fading in many places. Not to be afraid to show our faith. To wear a cross. To not be afraid to make the sign of the cross in public. To show that we are Christians. It is so important, because so many will be watching us.
To be people of integrity. And integrity is so important, because if we’re not people of integrity and cannot be transparent in what we do, the people around us will see it. They will see it, and, of course, they will call us hypocrites. As simple as that. Or they will, say, “Oh, those Catholics…” You know, “Blah, blah, blah…”
It is so important to be people of integrity, and to be transparent. And to show others the way to God by our lives. And if we just throw all of that in the wind, then yes, we will be that unfaithful steward who deserves a beating. And, of course, at the end of our earthly journey, will be judged. How we have handled our great gift God has given us.
And it’s so important to really sit with this, as you view this TV Mass, obviously you feel called to be a Christian. You are a follower of Christ. And I really invite you to take personal inventory. To say, “Is there something in my life I’m not transparent about? Is there something I have to clear up, to show that I’m really a Christian, and that I really want to live a pure life and come to God with no stains on my soul?”
And it is something to really spend time with, and to, every day, look at our lives. Look at it. Take inventory. How am I doing? How is my life? Have I been honest in my dealings? In my material dealings, of course, with money, with the tax department, with whomever… But am I also honest with the people around me?
And it takes a little bit courage. And but we get a lot of strength out of those who have gone before us. And in our first reading of Ephesians, Saint Paul is explaining that he is missioned by God. We, each in our own way, are also missioned by God to be those stewards. And not to be afraid.
And of course, Saint Paul, he would speak, if he was liked or not. He would show his faith, and be a steward of the deposit of faith he received through Jesus Christ. And it’s so important.
I get so much strength of the saints. And today, on the Universal Calendar, we celebrate Blessed Giuseppe Puglisi. He was an Italian priest, and today was his birthday, and his birthday present was he was shot at point blank range by the mafia. Because he spoke up.
He was in Sicily, on the island of Sicily. He was a pastor. And of course the mafia was very strong there, and there were many unhealthy dealings. The people in the pew would not dare to speak because of a fear for reprisal. But he spoke up. He had a deposit of faith, and he was not afraid to speak. And he knew that he would have to pay the price.
And so, we can receive much strength out of that. He literally preached from the pulpit, that the mafia was sinful, that crime is sinful, that we should live pure lives. And although he got many threats, they tried to bribe him, he would not keep quiet. Because he felt that mission, like Saint Paul, from God. To speak up, to not be afraid.
He evangelized mostly through his execution, when he was murdered. And actually a movie is produced about his life. Come Into the Light is the title of the movie. Also several books are produced. Because it awoke the conscience of a nation. That crime is not good. Crime is not from God. It’s evil.
And but in the same way, we can follow those examples given to us. And to be that light of Christ for those around us.
Amen.
