Daily Readings - Sat Sep 02 2017

First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4.9-11

⁹But concerning the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write to you. For you yourselves have learned from God that you should love one another¹⁰For indeed, you act in this way with all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we petition you, brothers, so that you may abound all the more¹¹to choose work that allows you to be tranquil, and to carry out your business and to do your work with your own hands, just as we have instructed you

Gospel - Matthew 25.14-30

Matthew

Chapter 25

¹⁴For it is like a man setting out on a long journey, who called his servants and delivered to them his goods¹⁵And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, yet to another he gave one, to each according to his own ability. And promptly, he set out¹⁶Then he who had received five talents went out, and he made use of these, and he gained another five¹⁷And similarly, he who had received two gained another two¹⁸But he who had received one, going out, dug into the earth, and he hid the money of his lord¹⁹Yet truly, after a long time, the lord of those servants returned and he settled accounts with them²⁰And when he who had received five talents approached, he brought another five talents, saying: ‘Lord, you delivered five talents to me. Behold, I have increased it by another five.²¹His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.²²Then he who had received two talents also approached, and he said: ‘Lord, you delivered two talents to me. Behold, I have gained another two.²³His lord said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful over a few things, I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the gladness of your lord.²⁴Then he who had received one talent, approaching, said: ‘Lord, I know that you are a hard man. You reap where you have not sown, and gather where you have not scattered²⁵And so, being afraid, I went out and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.²⁶But his lord said to him in response: ‘You evil and lazy servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered²⁷Therefore, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and then, at my arrival, at least I would have received what is mine with interest²⁸And so, take the talent away from him and give it the one who has ten talents²⁹For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have in abundance. But from him who has not, even what he seems to have, shall be taken away³⁰And cast that useless servant into the outer 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.