In the parable, Each of us has a vocation which no one else has been given.

now, by sharing in his work. We are created to be co-workers

with the Lord and sharers in his mission to build up the Kingdom of God.

「Good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little;

I will set you over much. Come and share in the joy of your master.」

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Thessalonians 4:9-11

Regarding mutual love,

You do not need anyone to write to you, because God, himself, taught you how to love one another.

You already practice it with all the brothers and sisters of Macedonia, but I invite you to do more.

Consider how important it is, to live quietly, without bothering others, to mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we have charged you.

 

Ps 98:1, 7-8,9

The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.

  

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 25:14-30

Imagine someone who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them.

He gave five talents of silver to one servant, two talents to another servant, and one talent to a third, to each, according to his ability;

and he went away. He who received five talents went at once to do business with the talents, and gained another five.

The one who received two talents did the same, and gained another two. But the one who received one talent dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master's money.

 

After a long time, the master of those servants returned and asked for a reckoning.

The one who had received five talents came with another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you entrusted me with five talents,

but see, I have gained five more. The master answered, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,

since you have been faithful in a few things, I will entrust you in charge of many things. Come and share the joy of your master'.

 

Then the one who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you entrusted me with two talents;

with them I have gained two more! The master said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,

since you have been faithful in little things, I will entrust you in charge of many things.

Come and share the joy of your master. Finally, the one who had received one talent came and said, 

Master, I know that you are a hard man. You reap what you have not sown, and gather what you have not scattered.

 

I was afraid, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what is yours!' But his master replied, '

Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered.

You should have deposited my money in the bank, and given it back to me with interest on my return. 

Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten. For to all those who have, more will be given,

and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have will be taken from them.

As for that useless servant, throw him out into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"We share in God's joy."

Today's readings focus on sharing and participation. "Come and share in the joy of your master."

What do we receive from God's hand? We share in his love, which is the motive behind our very existence.

He made us in love to share in his joy for all eternity. This is our Christian hope of the beatific vision in heaven,

a blessedness which begins here and now. Thus, we share in God's joy, that is, live a blessed life here and now,

by sharing in his work. We are created to be co-workers with the Lord and sharers in his mission to build up the Kingdom of God.

 

We are entrusted with a part of God's plan. Each of us has a vocation which no one else has been given.

Thus, in the parable, each servant is given a different number of talents. They all have a different task.

Are we willing to cooperate with God's plan or does fear get in the way?

Do we wish to serve God and let his Kingdom flourish in our lives?

Mary cooperated with his saving plan and so became "blessed among women."

Likewise, may we become dedicated co-workers with the Lord.