The Rev. Juan Sosa of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Miami Beach recently shared a message on the Lord's nearness and generous heart.

"The Gospel parable of the talents invites us to recognize God's mercy toward each one of his children," Sosa said in the church website's Nov. 15 'Pastor's Corner' column. "It does not matter to the Lord how much people forget his loving care, because he always waits for them. The initiative comes from the Lord himself, who grants us all that we need, both individually and communally."

Sosa also noted St. Paul's reminder to the Thessalonians that the Lord's presence shows there is a sense of security and encouragement despite persecution.

"For the great Apostle, the joy of being able to communicate the Gospel message from the perspective of the faith community should transcend all of life's worries," Sosa said. "In the Psalm Response and the Gospel Acclamation, the assembly expresses its trust and hope as well as fear of the Lord, which is none other than deep respect and love for him."