Gospel Meditations

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading:	Proverbs 31.10-13, 16-18, 20, 26, 28-31
Second Reading:	1 Thessalonians 5.1-6
Gospel:	Matthew 25.14-30 – The Parable of the Talents

 

Entering into our Master’s Joy

“Well done, good and trustworthy slave; enter into the joy of your master.” These are the beautiful words that all of us long to hear after a life of following Christ. The parable of the talents is often seen as the classical parable on stewardship. Let us take some time reflecting on it more deeply today.

Cardinal Collins comments on this parable in his Pastoral Letter on Stewardship* saying, “As good stewards, we are meant to use God’s gift fruitfully and creatively, so that with true gratitude for what we have received we may return God’s gifts to Him with increase.” The key word in that sentence is increase. Although the third slave did not waste or squander the talents or gifts he had received, the Master did not utter that beautiful phrase to him. The third slave did not work so as to create an increase of his goods. Stewardship always remains as an active way of life.

If we want to hear those beautiful words at our judgement we must live in such a way that fully embraces the spirituality of stewardship. How well are we using our gifts for the glory of God and the Church? Let us not be passive in our service but seek ways to be used as an instrument of God. Let us start with prayer and move into acts of charity. We can serve in our parish community whether it be joining various ministries or helping people in need. This weekend let us renew our commitment to serving Christ.

Summary

“Well done, good and trustworthy slave; enter into the joy of your master” are the beautiful words that all of us long to hear after a life of following Christ. If we want to hear that spoken to us at our judgement we must live in such a way that fully embraces the spirituality of stewardship. Let us ask ourselves, how well are we using our gifts for the glory of God and the Church?