How often we refer to death as "going to meet our maker." To render a final account of stewardship for our life. Today's gospel speaks of this Day of reckoning not at the final judgment for all humanity but that the final moment for each of us as we breathe our last breath.

Traditional art and literature have often conjured up frightening pictures of a judge's bench. But that is not what the gospel says to us today. The judgment of which the gospel speaks is a self-examination. Throughout our life God has given us various gifts and talents and we must render accountability--bottom line for how we have used them A self-judgment of faithful stewardship or poor stewardship.

If we have stewarded wisely and generously God will welcome us with open arms. If poorly, there is no need for any judgment to be passed--our actions or lack of them speak for themselves.

The original meaning of the parable in today's gospel is much simpler and more historically grounded than our 21st century perception. It was Jesus way of pointing out a tension between service and selfishness between walking in the light of love or the darkness of self-dependence.

As last week's gospel reminds us, we know neither the day nor the hour of the Master's call. The second reading today again warns us against complacency--about becoming too comfortable with our feelings of self-security; that's when you can expect the roof to fall in.

Woody Allen once said: "90% of life is just showing up." But how do we show up? How much of us shows up and how much is held back? How much of us though present physically hangs back skeptically or cynically? How afraid are we and why are we afraid?

Do we generate fear in others? Our children who are not turning out the way we had thought or hoped, our spouse who is less than perfect in ways that irritate us. If we fail to take risks in order to overcome fears than what beautiful things for God will never be done.

An old shaker proverb says: "Don't make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, make it beautiful." If we are willing to take the risk to invest the life that God has given to us, how much better can it get?

How good can it get? This life of ours in this world of ours. As Thanksgiving approaches, take some time for self-examination and evaluation. Count your blessings. Count your selfish acts as well. Put yourself on the scales of justice; while there is still time to change your bottom line if you find yourself lacking.