Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2023
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 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.”