Daily Readings - Sun Nov 19 2023
Proverbs
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
1 Thessalonians
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
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.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.
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.