Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2023
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 with purpose and responsibility. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to love one another and to work diligently, trusting in God’s providence. The Gospel, through the parable of the talents, emphasizes the call to be faithful stewards of the gifts and resources we have been given. Both readings invite us to reflect on how we use our time, talents, and opportunities to serve God and others.
The first reading highlights the transformative power of love and hard work. The early Christians in Thessalonica were known for their brotherly love and their commitment to living out their faith in practical ways. St. Paul encourages them to continue in this path, working with their own hands and striving for tranquility in their lives. This teaching reminds us that our faith is not just about words but about actions—loving one another and living with integrity in all we do.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the talents to teach us about accountability and faithfulness. The servants who wisely invested their talents were rewarded, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was condemned as lazy. This parable challenges us to consider how we use the gifts, skills, and resources God has entrusted to us. Are we using them to grow in holiness and to serve others, or are we letting fear or laziness hold us back? The master’s words to the faithful servants—“Enter into the joy of your lord”—remind us that our ultimate goal is to live in such a way that we can joyfully stand before God, knowing we have used our talents well.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the gifts and opportunities God has given me? Am I living with purpose and responsibility, or am I letting fear or complacency hold me back? May we strive to be faithful stewards, trusting in God’s grace to help us grow in love and holiness. Let us use our talents to serve others and to build up the kingdom of God, so that one day we may hear those words of praise: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”