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[Jesus said:] “Who, then, is the faithful and
prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to
distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his
master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,'
and begins to beat the menservants and
the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master
will come on an
unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and
assign
him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his
master’s will but did not make preparations nor
act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the
servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way
deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will
be
required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be
demanded of
the person entrusted with more."
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| Gospelthink: I have given you much. Now the Lord requires of me to give back by being a faithful servant to him. | ||||
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The young people of
his program
became the focus for Coach Jim White, the subject of the movie
"McFarland USA" as he set up the cross country sport at McFarland
High School in McFarland, California. They were good young men who
had strong family values that were given to them by their parents and
their community. But they quickly understood with Coach White's help
that they were not going to accomplish anything until they were willing
to do more than the average student athlete. They were natural runners
but they needed a "push" to go further than simply being a "fruit
picker." With their coach's help, they learned the art of balancing
their athletic lives, their
home life and their future schooling, and the original runners all
became successful in their future lives. Coach White stayed with
McFarland until he retired, and still lives in the town that became so
much a part of his and his family's life.
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One of
the most difficult parts of the Gospels is the Lord's story and final
application concerning how much we have been given. He tells the story
of a master giving to someone immense authority--all of the master's
property--but the person deliberately misuses his authority, and does
not carry out what the master wants. His master punishes him severely
for not using his authority well, and then makes his application to his
listeners: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,"
and in even stronger language, he continues, "and still more will be
demanded of the person entrusted with more."
As Coach Jim White instructed his student athletes in the movie "McFarland USA" they gradually realized that they were entrusted with much in their young lives. They wanted to work with their sport because they were given the talent of running, but they knew that they had to "work the fields" and "help their parents." They were entrusted with much, and in order to fulfill their dreams of winning, they realized that they had to give to their maximum because more was demanded of them. In fact, Coach White reminds them of that very thing saying that the other young men who were competing did not have to do what they had to do. Coach White even took it further, pointing out to the young men that they could be so much more than "a fruit picker"; they could excel and help their parents even more than they were. With their Coach's help, they began to understand that much would be required of them because they had been given much. Jesus' application to his story was not just a spiritual application although it makes sense in our spiritual lives. It is also true for any leadership experience. If we understand what we have been given--by God, by our families, by our developed talents, we will see the necessity of giving more of what we can. The more we have, the more we have to work, and the better off will our own little worlds be. |
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PRAYER
Good
and gracious
God, we have truly been entrusted with much from You and from the
people close to us. May we understand more the obligation of giving
back to You and to our world. Be with us,
we pray.
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+++++
GUIDE
FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Theme: The more we understand what we have been given, the more will be required of us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (session: approximately 60 minutes) 1.What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why? 2. Jesus probably uses some exaggeration in his description of what will happen to the servants. Why do you think Jesus used exaggeration in his sermons? 3. Jesus is speaking of the spiritual preparation for his "second coming," telling his followers that they must always be prepared for the Lord's coming. What is the best way to prepare for the Lord's coming either at the end of the world or the end of our lives? 4. Do you believe that most Christians truly understand what they have been given by God? Yes or no and why? 5. We live in a truly wonderful world, and much has been given to it by God. What should we appreciate most in our lives? 6. In our lives right now, because so much has been given to us, how should we be giving back? 7. Do you believe that most young people live up to the potential they have, that is, work the way they should in bringing about their best? Yes or no and why? 8. Specifically speaking of excelling in school or college, is it true that all of us can do better than we are? Yes or no and why? 9. The meditation mentions that Jesus' story makes sense in our spiritual lives. Given the fact that we have been redeemed by Jesus, what should it demand of us? 10. Scene analysis: the cross country team prays after a win. God/Church/religion is not portrayed in the movie, although it is clear that it is a Catholic Hispanic neighborhood. How important is "religion" as the young people of the movie continue to excel? How important is "religion" in your neighborhood right now? 11. Analysis: In your opinion, is God/Church/religion important for the young people of today? Yes or no and why? 12. Scene analysis: The team finally calls White "Coach." What is the significance of the title? 13. Dialogue analysis: Coach White tells them to believe in themselves and each other. Why is this good advice for any team no matter what the circumstances? 14. Scene analysis: The Quinceanera celebration for Julie. What is your opinion of the celebration--is it good or bad for the 15 year old girl? 15. Scene analysis: Jim meets with the Palo Alto district for the coaching position. In your opinion, was it a good thing to do? Yes or no and why? 16. Dialogue analysis: Jim's talk to the boys before the championship run. As mentioned in the meditation, Jim refers to the amount of extra work the boys have done. Young people out for sports generally give a great amount of extra time for training. Why is this good for the young person? 17. Scene analysis: Jim stays to coach McFarland. It is of course a "happy" ending. Why is it also a very good ending for Jim and his family? 18. What does the movie "McFarland USA" teach young people? |
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©2007
Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America |
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