The thankful response of the healed Samaritan leper reveals the power of gratitude to enrich our spiritual lives and help us engage our faith in the context of daily life.
Commonly read at funerals, this passage from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that when we place our lives in God’s hands, we are purified and refined through adversity.
Let’s look at some of the themes that surface in the Mass readings for the 33rd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31
A worthy wife reveals her goodness through her service and care for others.
“Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Psalm – 128:1-5
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”
Those who follow the Lord encounter domestic prosperity.
2nd Reading – 1st Thessalonians 5:1-6
The day of the Lord will come suddenly, like a thief in the night.
We stay alert and sober, not in darkness but as children of the light.
Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus tells of the parable of the master who gave three servants different amounts of wealth (talents) based on their ability.
The master returns and praises two of the servants who did what they could with what they had; “since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.”
The servant who does nothing is chastised and turned out into the darkness.
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