Daily Readings - Sun Nov 19 2023
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 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.