Daily Readings - Sat Aug 31 2019
1 Thessalonians
9But concerning the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write to you. For you yourselves have learned from God that you should love one another10For indeed, you act in this way with all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we petition you, brothers, so that you may abound all the more11to choose work that allows you to be tranquil, and to carry out your business and to do your work with your own hands, just as we have instructed you
Matthew
14For it is like a man setting out on a long journey, who called his servants and delivered to them his goods15And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out16Then he who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained another five17And similarly, he who had received two gained another two18But he who had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord19Yet truly, after a long time, the lord of those servants returned and he settled accounts with them20And when he who had received five talents approached, he brought another five talents, saying: ‘Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have increased it by another five.21His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.22Then he who had received two talents also approached, and he said: ‘Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained another two.23His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.24Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: ‘Lord, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not scattered25And so, being afraid, I went out and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.26But his lord said to him in response: ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered27Therefore, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and then, at my arrival, at least I would have received what is mine with interest28And so, take the talent away from him and give it the one who has ten talents29For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have in abundance. But from him who has not, even what he seems to have, shall be taken away30And cast that useless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of community, responsibility, and stewardship. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to embrace brotherly love and work diligently, emphasizing the importance of community and self-sufficiency. It reminds us that our faith is not just about individual belief but also about living in harmony and supporting one another.
The Gospel parable of the talents from Matthew 25 shifts the focus to individual accountability. The master entrusts each servant with talents according to their ability, expecting them to use these gifts wisely. The servants who invest and grow their talents are rewarded, while the one who hides his talent is reprimanded. This parable underscores the importance of being responsible stewards of what we are given, whether that be skills, resources, or time.
Together, these readings balance the need for community support with personal initiative. They remind us that our faith calls us to both love and work within our communities. As we reflect on our own lives, let us consider how we use our talents and abilities. Are we contributing to the common good, or are we holding back? Let us strive to be faithful stewards, using our gifts to enrich our communities and honor God. In doing so, we embody the balance of communal love and individual responsibility, living out our faith with purpose and dedication.