Thirty third Sunday of the Year, A – November 19, 2023.
Readings: Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31; Responsorial Psalm Ps 127:1-5;
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 & Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30.
Theme: Resourceful for the Kingdom
Introduction
Friends in Christ, like a perfect marketer, Jesus tells us that terms and conditions apply to God’s kingdom. Our reflection titled, “Resourceful for the Kingdom” is weaved around setting our goals right. We shall draw lessons about “usefulness” as it relates to the gospel narrative on the parable of the talents.
Background and Summary of the Readings
The book of Proverbs (Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31) challenges us to use our time, treasure, and talents wisely like the perfect woman who is beyond the price of pearls – whose husband has confidence in her – who is industrious and dexterous.
In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6), St. Paul charges us to be careful not to allow the day to overtake us like a thief in the night. He demands that we learn something of the Lord’s eternal vigilance.
The gospel (Matthew 25:14-30) tells the parable of talents. The Man who went abroad man is Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Servants whom the Master entrusts is property to are the Israelites. The property or talents are the covenantal blessings which include the Ten Commandments, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Passover Feast among others.
Accordingly, the man with the five talents stands for those who were forgiven by Jesus and went ahead to recruit others for the kingdom. Here, we have people like the Samaritan woman, the women disciples, Saint Paul, and the other apostles. The man with the two talents represents sinners like Mary Magdalene, Matthew the tax collector, the Good Samaritan etc and the man with the one talent represents the pharisees, scribes and sadducees who kept pontificating while burying God’s gifts.
Pastoral Lessons
- Give God quality time: Rather than wasting quality time on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram posting selfies, or committing immoral acts, the first reading reminds us to be industrious and dexterous by giving God quality in prayer and creating time for cleaning the Church.
- Be vigilant: Amid a changing and tempting world which distracts us from our eternal destiny, St. Paul demands that we learn something of the Lord’s eternal vigilance by being careful so as not to allow the day overtake us like a thief in the night.
- Use your talent:Bearing in mind that your intelligence, smartness, resourcefulness, ability to sing or write, and make others laugh are God’s gifts to be used for his honour and glory, we are charged to use our talents while we are still able to.
- Honour him with your treasure: Rather than lavish your money on buying posh cars, state of the art mansions, VIP wardrobe, extravagant perfume, exquisite wines and expensive travels or holidays, God invites you to honour him with your treasure by giving to charity and supporting missionary work as doing so enables you store up treasure for yourself in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal (Cf. Matthew 6:20).
- Be a wise Merchant: Our liturgy challenges us not to behave like the Pharisees, Scribes and Sadducees who buried their talents and even challenged the Master, but to learn from the merchant in search of fine pearls by trading wisely with our time, talents, and treasure bearing fruits for the kingdom.
Summary Lines
- The book of Proverbs challenges us to use our time, treasure, and talents wisely like the perfect woman.
- In the second reading, St. Paul charges us to be careful not to allow the day to overtake us like a thief in the night.
- The man who went abroad man in the parable is Yahweh, the God of Israel.
- The servants whom the Master entrusts is property are the Israelites.
- The property/talents are the covenantal blessings which include the Ten Commandments, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Passover feast among others.
Conclusion
In the face of the pursuit of power or career, money, and material possessions, we are advised to keep our heads above water by taking lessons in resourcefulness of the kingdom. May the Holy Spirit help us to apply the terms and conditions of the kingdom in our lives while here on earth so that the Master will say to us at the end of time: “Well done, good and faithful servants – enter the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the earth.” Have a great week ahead!
