Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2017
First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4.9-11
1 Thessalonians
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
Gospel - Matthew 25.14-30
Matthew
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of our call to live as faithful stewards of the gifts and talents God has entrusted to us. The First Reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to love one another and to live a life of quiet industry, working with our own hands and minding our own business. This passage emphasizes the importance of living in a way that reflects the love of God and the dignity of every person. It also reminds us that our faith is not just about spiritual practices but also about how we engage with the world around us, working diligently and living responsibly.
The Gospel parable of the talents challenges us to think deeply about how we use the gifts and resources God has given us. The master entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents, not just money but also abilities and opportunities. The servants who use their talents wisely and courageously are praised and rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is condemned as lazy and unfaithful. This parable teaches us that God expects us to take risks and use our talents to bear fruit, rather than letting fear or complacency hold us back.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we using the gifts and talents God has given us to love and serve others? Are we living with purpose and responsibility, or are we letting fear or laziness hold us back? The moral lesson is clear: faithfulness to God and to our calling requires us to be bold, generous, and responsible stewards of all that we have. Let us ask ourselves today: How can I use my talents, time, and resources to build up the Kingdom of God and to love my neighbor as myself? By living with faith and courage, we can truly fulfill our purpose and bring joy to the heart of God.