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.
The Lord reveals that we practice what we preach through our humble service toward one another, inviting us to see in our daily lives countless opportunities to put our faith into action.
On this feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, we recognize the Paschal Mystery of Jesus as the model for our generous and cheerful sacrifices that we offer to God.
Peter’s statement and the Lord’s response inspire us to make a daily offering for God. While sacrifice is often challenging, Christ strengthens and guides us with help from heaven.
As the early Christian community continued to grow, the Apostles requested that seven men – filled with the Holy Spirit – be charged with the task for the daily distribution. May this practical, ordinary work remind us that the Spirit touches every aspect of our lives…helping and blessing all our efforts to serve the Lord and one another.
Three Great Things 