Daily Readings - Sat Aug 28 2021
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 the importance of living responsibly and faithfully. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to embrace brotherly love and work diligently, ensuring we lead tranquil lives. This passage emphasizes the value of community and the responsibility each believer has to contribute positively, avoiding idleness and dependency on others.
The Gospel parable of the talents from Matthew 25:14-30 complements this message by highlighting the importance of stewardship and faithfulness. The master entrusts his servants with talents, expecting them to multiply what they have been given. Those who take initiative and work diligently are rewarded, while the one who buries his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This parable teaches us that our talents and resources are not ours to hoard but to use productively for the greater good.
Together, these readings call us to recognize the gifts God has entrusted to us and to use them wisely. Whether in our work, family, or community, we are called to be good stewards, taking initiative and trusting in God's grace. The moral lesson is clear: faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities, and we must not let fear paralyze us. Instead, we should embrace our duties with confidence and trust, knowing that our efforts contribute to a life of purpose and service.