Daily Readings - Sun Nov 19 2023
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 integrity. In the first reading from Proverbs, we encounter the portrait of the “strong woman,” a figure who embodies wisdom, hard work, and generosity. She is a wife, mother, and manager of her household, yet her influence extends beyond her family to the community. Her life is marked by prudent decisions, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to helping those in need. This passage is not just a tribute to a virtuous woman but also a metaphor for the kind of life we are all called to live—one of faithfulness, stewardship, and love.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the spiritual realm. St. Paul reminds us that we live in a world where the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. He urges us to be vigilant and sober, not caught off guard by complacency or distractions. As “sons and daughters of light,” we are called to live with awareness, prepared to meet the Lord at any moment. This passage challenges us to examine how we are living our lives—are we squandering the time and gifts we have been given, or are we using them to build up the kingdom of God?
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, a story about stewardship and accountability. Each servant is given talents according to their ability, and their master expects them to use these gifts wisely and productively. The servants who invest their talents and produce more are praised and rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is condemned. This parable reminds us that our lives are not our own; we are stewards of the gifts, resources, and time God has entrusted to us. We are called to use them in a way that bears fruit and glorifies Him.
These readings are interconnected in their emphasis on faithfulness and responsibility. The strong woman of Proverbs, the vigilant believers of Thessalonians, and the servants in the Gospel all illustrate what it means to live with purpose and integrity. They remind us that our lives are not without consequence—how we use our time, talents, and resources matters. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I being faithful with what God has given me? Am I using my gifts to serve others and build up the kingdom? Let us strive to live with intentionality, generosity, and a deep trust in God’s providence. May we be found faithful when the Lord of the harvest returns.