November 19 - Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time : Talents, Kingdom and Accountability

 

First Reading Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31

The virtues of a good wife are extolled.

 

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5

Blessed are those who walk in God's ways.

 

Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Paul warns the Thessalonians to stay alert because the day of the Lord cannot be predicted.

 

Gospel Reading Matthew 25:14-30

 

Today’s readings tell us that God gives everyone enough talents and gifts. He gives sufficient to all. Our gifts vary. He gives us not only for our own (selfish) consumption only but in order that we may use them finally to extend His kingdom. But on our part God appreciates accountability. There will be a day of judgement for everyone based on stewardship. Each will be judged by what was given to him or her. We are called to do the best with whatever we are and we have. What matters at the end is not what people’s talents are but how they are used for the kingdom. What matters is not how big or how many are our gifts, but how faithful and whole hearted are we in the use of them.