Daily Readings - Sun Nov 15 2020
Proverbs
10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.31Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
1 Thessalonians
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
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.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!'
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faithfulness, responsibility, and the call to live with purpose and vigilance. In the first reading from Proverbs, we encounter the portrait of the "strong woman," a figure of wisdom, generosity, and integrity. She is a wife, mother, and manager of her household, whose life is marked by hard work, compassion for the poor, and a deep trust in God. Her value lies not in charm or beauty but in her fear of the Lord and her fruitful life. This passage is not just a celebration of a virtuous woman but also a timeless reminder that true greatness is measured by how we use our gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God.
The second reading from 1 Thessalonians shifts our focus to the urgency of living as children of light. St. Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While the world may seek comfort in false security and complacency, believers are called to stay awake and sober, ready to meet the Lord at any moment. This passage challenges us to live with a sense of purpose and accountability, knowing that our time on this earth is limited and that we must make the most of the opportunities we have.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of wealth before going on a journey. The servants who invest their talents wisely and produce more are praised and rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is condemned. This parable is a powerful reminder that we are all stewards of the gifts, resources, and time God has given us. We are called to use them wisely, courageously, and creatively to bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
These readings are deeply connected. The strong woman of Proverbs exemplifies the kind of faithfulness and responsibility that Jesus commends in the parable of the talents. She uses her gifts to build up her family and community, just as the servants in the Gospel are expected to use their talents to increase the master’s wealth. At the same time, the passage from 1 Thessalonians reminds us that our faithfulness must be accompanied by vigilance and a readiness to meet the Lord. Together, these readings call us to live with intentionality, gratitude, and a commitment to using our gifts for the greater good.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the talents, resources, and time God has entrusted to me? Am I living with a sense of purpose and responsibility, or am I complacent and fearful? Let us strive to be like the strong woman and the faithful servants, who inspire us to live with courage, generosity, and a deep trust in God’s providence. May we use our gifts to build up the kingdom of God and to bring joy and hope to those around us.