Daily Readings - Sat Aug 28 2021
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 are reminded of the importance of living responsibly and faithfully. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to embrace brotherly love and work diligently, ensuring we lead tranquil lives. This passage emphasizes the value of community and the responsibility each believer has to contribute positively, avoiding idleness and dependency on others.
The Gospel parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30 complements this message by highlighting the importance of stewardship and faithfulness. The master entrusts his servants with talents, expecting them to multiply what they have been given. Those who take initiative and work diligently are rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This parable teaches us that our talents and resources are not ours to hoard but to use productively for the greater good.
Together, these readings call us to recognize the gifts God has entrusted to us and to use them wisely. Whether in our work, family, or community, we are called to be good stewards, taking initiative and trusting in God's grace. The moral lesson is clear: faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities, and we must not let fear paralyze us. Instead, we should embrace our duties with confidence and trust, knowing that our efforts contribute to a life of purpose and service.