33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Proverbs 31:10…31;
Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5;
1Thessalonians 5:1-6;
Matthew. 25:14-30

As we are getting closer to the end of the liturgical year, the readings draw our attention to the Day of the Lord, a day of rendering account to him. The first reading tells us that the “perfect” and praiseworthy wife is hard to find. But when found, she is a treasure. She is the example of a humble and faithful servant who goes about her daily chores with love and dedication. She opens her doors for the poor and needy (Prov. 31:10…31).

For St Paul, the Lord will surely come; but when, how, and where, we do not know. What is important is to stay wide awake and sober because we are sons of the day (1Thes. 5:1-6).

What should we do to keep ourselves awake? The parable of the talents in the gospel reading tells us to be at work, using and making fruitful the talents we have received. The three servant received talents each according to his abilities.At the end, the first two were praised and called to share in their master’s joy because they used their talents and made profit. The third servant hid his talent out of fear of his master, whom he judges to be too demanding and usurper (Matt. 25:14-30).

Indeed, none of us is bereft of God's grace. God has endowed each of us with great potentials and talents that need to be explored, exploited and made fruitful. Thus, the talents we have are not to be put in the pocket. They are to be used for our own growth and the benefit of others, especially the poor and the needy.

Sometimes, out of fear, envy and resentment, we decide to do nothing, but complaining and accusing others. We must therefore remember, to work or not to work is our personal decision. In any case, we are responsible for our success or failure, for our gains or losses.

May the Lord help us to use the graces we have received and make ourselves ready for his coming.

Amen