Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2023
1 Thessalonians
9Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,10for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,11and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,
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.16He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.17So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.18But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.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.'22And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.'23His 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.'24He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'26But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed?27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.28So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.29For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.30And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place 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.”