Gospel 

Matthew 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.'"

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful parable about stewardship and responsibility. Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with talents, expecting them to use their gifts wisely.

The servants who received five and two talents respectively, used their gifts to produce more, and were rewarded by their master. However, the servant who received one talent, buried it out of fear, and was condemned by his master for his laziness and lack of initiative.

This parable teaches us that:

- God entrusts us with gifts and talents, expecting us to use them wisely

- We are called to be faithful stewards of God's gifts, using them to produce more

- Fear and laziness can lead to missed opportunities and condemnation

- God rewards those who are faithful and fruitful, and takes away from those who are not

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- What gifts and talents has God entrusted to us?

- Are we using them wisely, or are we burying them out of fear or laziness?

- Are we being faithful stewards of God's gifts, or are we neglecting our responsibilities?

- Are we producing fruit and growing in our faith, or are we stagnating?

May we heed Jesus' warning and use our gifts and talents to produce more, that we may hear our master say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master's joy."

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God, we come before You, reflecting on the parable of the talents. Help us to be faithful stewards of the gifts and talents You have entrusted to us.

Forgive us for burying our talents out of fear or laziness, and help us to use them wisely to produce more.

May we be like the servants who used their talents to produce more, and may we hear your words of praise, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master's joy."

Give us the courage to take risks and invest our talents, that we may grow in our faith and produce fruit.

May we not be condemned for our laziness, but rather rewarded for our faithfulness.

We pray for those who are struggling to find their talents and gifts, that you may reveal them to us.

May we use our gifts and talents to glorify you and share in your joy.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ