Daily Readings - Sat Sep 01 2018
1 Corinthians
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Matthew
14For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.15And 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.16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.19After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.20And 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.21His 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.22He 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.23His 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.24Then 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:25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.26His 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:27Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.29For 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.30And 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 the profound truth that our worth and purpose are not measured by the standards of the world but by the wisdom and grace of God. The first reading from 1 Corinthians challenges us to reflect on our vocation and the gifts we have been given. Paul emphasizes that God chooses the weak and the humble to confound the strong and the wise. This is a call to humility, recognizing that our true strength comes not from our own abilities or status but from our relationship with Christ, who is our wisdom, justice, and redemption.
The Gospel from Matthew reinforces this message through the parable of the talents. The master entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents, not based on their worth but according to their ability. The servants who use their talents wisely and productively are praised and rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is condemned. This parable invites us to reflect on how we use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us. It is not about how much we have but about how faithfully we use what we have been given. The servant who failed to act was not punished for his lack of talent but for his failure to take risks and trust in the master’s plan.
These readings call us to live with purpose and courage, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for us. In our daily lives, we are invited to recognize the gifts we have been given and to use them in service to others and for the glory of God. Let us not be afraid to take risks or to step out in faith, knowing that our ultimate reward is not in earthly success but in hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” May we strive to live humbly, trust fully, and serve generously, remembering that everything we have is a gift from God.