Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2017
1 Thessalonians
9Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,
Matthew
14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.15To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.28"'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will 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.