Daily Readings - Sun Nov 15 2020
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on faithfulness, responsibility, and the call to live with purpose and vigilance. In the first reading from Proverbs, we encounter the portrait of the "strong woman," a figure of wisdom, generosity, and integrity. She is a wife, mother, and manager of her household, whose life is marked by hard work, compassion for the poor, and a deep trust in God. Her value lies not in charm or beauty but in her fear of the Lord and her fruitful life. This passage is not just a celebration of a virtuous woman but also a timeless reminder that true greatness is measured by how we use our gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the urgency of living as children of light. St. Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While the world may seek comfort in false security and complacency, believers are called to stay awake and sober, ready to meet the Lord at any moment. This passage challenges us to live with a sense of purpose and accountability, knowing that our time on this earth is limited and that we must make the most of the opportunities we have.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of wealth before going on a journey. The servants who invest their talents wisely and produce more are praised and rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is condemned. This parable is a powerful reminder that we are all stewards of the gifts, resources, and time God has given us. We are called to use them wisely, courageously, and creatively to bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
These readings are deeply connected. The strong woman of Proverbs exemplifies the kind of faithfulness and responsibility that Jesus commends in the parable of the talents. She uses her gifts to build up her family and community, just as the servants in the Gospel are expected to use their talents to increase the master’s wealth. At the same time, the passage from 1 Thessalonians reminds us that our faithfulness must be accompanied by vigilance and a readiness to meet the Lord. Together, these readings call us to live with intentionality, gratitude, and a commitment to using our gifts for the greater good.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the talents, resources, and time God has entrusted to me? Am I living with a sense of purpose and responsibility, or am I complacent and fearful? Let us strive to be like the strong woman and the faithful servants, who inspire us to live with courage, generosity, and a deep trust in God’s providence. May we use our gifts to build up the kingdom of God and to bring joy and hope to those around us.