‘To Whom Much Is Given…’

Today is the 10th World Day of the Poor. It was established by Pope Francis in 2016 to help create worldwide awareness of the plight of the poor and encourage positive action to lift them out of poverty.

Pope Leo XIV’s message today reflects on God as “the refuge of the poor,” urging us to examine our commitment to social justice and solidarity with the poor and needy.

Liturgy of the Word: Reading, Prv. 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31. Words of King Lemuel, King of Massa, taught by his mother (v. 1).

“Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value.” Her husband trusts her. She weaves skillfully (vv. 2-3; 19). She helps the poor and the needy (v. 20). “Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Acclaim her for her work. Her deeds praise her (vv. 30-31).

Resp. Ps. 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, and who walk in his ways.” You will enjoy the fruit of your work; you will prosper. Your wife will be fruitful and will have many children (v. 3). “May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see Jerusalem’s prosperity all the days of your life” (vv. 4-5).

2nd Reading, 1 Thes. 5:1-6. Readiness for the Coming of the Lord.

I need not write to you about times and seasons. You yourselves know that the Lord will come “like a thief at night” (vv. 1-4). When people think that there is peace, disaster comes. But you are not “in darkness.” You are “children of light…, children of the day.” Therefore, let us not sleep; let us stay alert and sober (vv. 5-6).

Gospel, Mt. 25:14-30. The Parable of the Talents. A Parable of the Kingdom.

Before his journey, the master of the house entrusts his money (talents) to his servants. To one he gives five talents, to another, two; to a third, one; to each according to his ability (vv. 14-15).

The first servant trades his five talents and gains five more. The second also gains another two. But the third buries his one talent to save it (vv. 16-18).

Upon his arrival, the master asks for reports. The first two report their gains of five and two talents, respectively. The master rewards them with great responsibilities (vv. 19-23).

Then the third servant reports that, out of fear of the demanding master, he saved his talent by burying it.

The master condemns him: “You wicked, lazy servant!” You should have put my money in the bank to earn interest (vv. 24-27). And he takes away the single talent and gives it to the one with five talents: “For everyone who has, more will be given… but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” And throw this useless servant into the darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth (vv. 28-30).

The words, “where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth,” are frequently used to describe final condemnation (see Mt. 23:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Lk. 13:28).

This Sunday’s readings tell us of God’s love and generosity to those who have great reverence for him. God has given us countless blessings. He has blessed us with many gifts, physical, intellectual and spiritual. Let us always be aware of them. Are we using them generously for good? To love and serve others? To do so is a way “to share in the Lord’s joy.”

Prayer: Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. Amen.