DAILY- HOMILY

AUGUST 31, 2013
SATURDAY 21ST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

1 Thes 4:9-12 / Ps 98: 1. 7-8. 9 / Mt 25:14-30

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Regarding mutual love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because God himself taught you how to love one another. You already practice it with all the brothers and sisters of Macedonia, but I invite you to do more. Consider how important it is to live quietly without bothering others, to mind your own business, and work with your hands, as we have charged you. In obeying these rules you will win the respect of outsiders and be dependent on no one.

Matthew 25:14-30
Imagine someone who, before going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them. He gave five talents of silver to one servant, two talents to another servant, and one talent to a third, to each according to his ability; and he went away. He who received five talents went at once to do business with the money, and gained another five. The one who received two talents did the same, and gained another two. But the one who received one talent dug a hole, and hid his master's money. After a long time, the master of those servants returned and asked for a reckoning. The one who had received five talents came with another five talents, saying, `Lord, you entrusted me with five talents, but see, I have gained five more.' The master answered, `Very well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in a few things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.' Then the one who had received two talents came and said, `Lord, you entrusted me with two talents; with them I have gained two more.' The master said, `Well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful in little things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share the joy of your master.' Finally, the one who had received one talent came and said, `Master, I know that you are a hard man. You reap what you have not sown, and gather what you have not scattered. I was afraid, so I hid your money in the ground. Here, take what is yours!' But his master replied, `Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered; so you should have deposited my money in the bank, and on my return you would have given it back to me with interest. Therefore, take the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have will be taken from them. As for that useless servant, throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

REFLECTION
What is the message of today's gospel parable? Simply this: the Christian is a person who must put himself at risk. The master gives money to two of the servants, and they put the money to work, making a profit and their master happy. These two men took risks. It's precisely this willingness to take risks that the master finds lacking in the third servant.

Why must a Christian put himself at risk? The parable doesn't explain, but simple reflection on Christ's teaching shows us why. At the heart of Christianity is Christ's commandment to love God and neighbor. God will demand of those who claim to love him that all aspects of their lives be expressions of Christian values. This will mean very often taking up our cross and dying to ourselves.

It is Christ who shows us the way. The Son of God put himself in the hands of sinful men, hoping that he might save us from our selfishness and self-centered values. His risk-taking paid off, for where would we be now if he had not taken the risk?

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres
- Nick (MD), Ed, Denise, Debbie (AZ),Randy, Bob M, Benny, Herb & Mrs D
- Joy Droke
- Ma. Andrea Kristina Lagmay
… for the personal intentions of
- Rhona de Leon
- Chuck, Ben, Nancy, Netta, Rita P, Mary Ann M, Joann's son & Fr Larry
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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