Daily Readings - Sat Aug 31 2019
1 Thessalonians
9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.10And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
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 explore themes of community, responsibility, and stewardship. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to embrace brotherly love and work diligently, emphasizing the importance of community and self-sufficiency. It reminds us that our faith is not just about individual belief but also about living in harmony and supporting one another.
The Gospel parable of the talents from Matthew 25 shifts the focus to individual accountability. The master entrusts each servant with talents according to their ability, expecting them to use these gifts wisely. The servants who invest and grow their talents are rewarded, while the one who hides his talent is reprimanded. This parable underscores the importance of being responsible stewards of what we are given, whether that be skills, resources, or time.
Together, these readings balance the need for community support with personal initiative. They remind us that our faith calls us to both love and work within our communities. As we reflect on our own lives, let us consider how we use our talents and abilities. Are we contributing to the common good, or are we holding back? Let us strive to be faithful stewards, using our gifts to enrich our communities and honor God. In doing so, we embody the balance of communal love and individual responsibility, living out our faith with purpose and dedication.