SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Mt 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable:

"A man going on a journey

called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.

To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–

to each according to his ability.

Then he went away.

Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,

and made another five.

Likewise, the one who received two made another two.

But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground

and buried his master's money.

After a long time

the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.

The one who had received five talents

came forward bringing the additional five.

He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.

See, I have made five more.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Since you were faithful in small matters,

I will give you great responsibilities.

Come, share your master's joy.'

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,

'Master, you gave me two talents.

See, I have made two more.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Since you were faithful in small matters,

I will give you great responsibilities.

Come, share your master's joy.'

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,

'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,

harvesting where you did not plant

and gathering where you did not scatter;

so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.

Here it is back.'

His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!

So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant

and gather where I did not scatter?

Should you not then have put my money in the bank

so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.

For to everyone who has,

more will be given and he will grow rich;

but from the one who has not,

even what he has will be taken away.

And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,

where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"

REFLECTION

We have all received immeasurable gifts and graces from God according to our ability. There might be many who would be surprised that they have God given gifts because when talking to them they seem to be totally oblivious of their gifts. They also downplay their gifts and many do not share with others.

Some will ask for money to share and seem intent in keeping the profits. They act as if they are masters of their gifts. Full of selfishness and whims they act as if they are in control.

So when we think of gifts, some might think of material goods we want and what others have. Let us take a look and take inventory of what gifts we each have. Gift of life, faith, gift of free will to choose good, love and freedom, gift to serve God and give Him glory, gift of grace, gift of joy, gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confession, Holy Communion and the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Share these gifts with all whom God allows in our life.

Yes, we will be judged whether we shared our gifts. But what have we done with our life, our soul and the gifts of the Holy Spirit? What have we done for others? Have we shared the love of God? Have we found joy in our God and eternal happiness?

We pray that when we meet our final judgment, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy."

God Bless You