Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2023
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 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.”