Daily Readings - Sun Nov 19 2017
Proverbs
10An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.13She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.16She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.17She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.20She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:29"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
1 Thessalonians
1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.2For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
Matthew
14"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.15To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.19Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.20And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'21His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faithfulness, preparedness, and virtuous living. The first reading from Proverbs 31 portrays the ideal wife, not just as a domestic figure, but as a symbol of virtue and industry. Her actions are guided by wisdom, compassion, and strength, making her a blessing to her family and community. This passage is part of the wisdom literature, offering insights into a life well-lived, characterized by integrity and care for others.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the unexpected nature of the Lord's return. Paul urges believers to remain vigilant and not be caught off guard, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparedness. This eschatological passage reminds us that our faith is not just for the present but also for the future, calling us to live with purpose and responsibility.
The Gospel from Matthew, the parable of the talents, reinforces the theme of stewardship. Jesus teaches that each of us is given gifts and resources, and we are expected to use them wisely and faithfully. The servants who invest their talents responsibly are praised, while the one who buries his talent is reprimanded. This parable challenges us to reflect on how we use our gifts and talents for the greater good.
These readings connect through their emphasis on living with intention and responsibility. Whether through virtuous living, spiritual preparedness, or faithful stewardship, they call us to a life of purpose and integrity. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to use our talents wisely, live with compassion, and remain vigilant in our faith. May we be inspired to live in such a way that we are found faithful when the Lord returns. Let us embrace the call to live virtuously, prepared for whatever comes, and faithful in all that we do.