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| “Saints Augustine and Monica” by Gioacchino Assereto, c. 1640 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Commentary on 1 Cor 1:26-31
St. Paul continues his attack on “worldly wisdom” by reminding the members of the church at Corinth that the community is comprised of all strata of society. He points out that all are called to the same Lord, and that the wisdom that is Jesus (“…who became for us wisdom from God”) makes them righteous, sanctified, and redeemed in him. It is for this reason that the only boast a Christian should make is in God. The evangelist does so, paraphrasing Jeremiah 9:23.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Commentary on Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Psalm 33 is a hymn of praise in which God as creator is celebrated. In this selection, those justified in God's sight are invited to share the Lord’s salvation, and are promised his protection. The psalm rejoices in the active help God gives to his chosen people.
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Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
Commentary on Mt 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents comes to us as part of Jesus’ dialog about being prepared and vigilant. It combines two different but connected logions or morals/teaching points. The first is to use the gifts God has given for the benefit of God, who is represented by the “Master” in the parable. The second is vigilance. This parable, directed at the disciples, exhorts his servants to use the gifts God has given them to the fullest, for the benefit of others (as well as God). It is an exclamation point to Jesus' earlier statement: “those to whom much is given, even more will be expected” (see also Luke 12:48).
CCC: Mt 25:14-30 546, 1936; Mt 25:21 1029, 1720, 2683; Mt 25:23 1029, 1720
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Reflection:
Have you ever done something that you think is really spectacular and it seemed that no one noticed or appreciated your effort? Have you ever been asked to do something very difficult and, in spite of the obstacles, accomplished that task, but the person who assigned it didn’t even say thanks, let alone praise you for your work? It is only natural that we take pride in our work or study. Success in tasks set before us motivates us and invigorates us. So it stands to reason that when we do something we feel deserves recognition and it goes unrecognized we become unmotivated, less apt to extend the same effort the next time.
What was described above is pretty typical of what most secular literature would say about motivating people in the work place, or in an educational setting. If you want someone to really maximize the use of their abilities, praise them publicly when they succeed using behaviors you wish to encourage (and chastise privately those you want to discourage).
For the Christian, receiving praise for effort which glorifies God should not be required. In fact praising one's abilities is like telling a sunset what great color it has. The sunset is a reflection of the beauty of God’s creation. Likewise, for us as faithful members of a faith community dedicated to following Jesus who is the Christ, if we are praised for our efforts or abilities, our response should be to thank God for the gifts that made that accomplishment possible. To take pride in such things is like taking pride in our ability to breathe air – it is a natural consequence of the life God gave us. Quoting St. Paul “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”
The Parable of the Talents from St. Matthew’s Gospel takes that idea further. The Lord’s example, because it is being addressed to his disciples, makes it clear that the gifts they have include the gift of Christ’s teachings, of his revelation of the kingdom of God. That gift is meant to be passed on. It is only in that way that the Kingdom of God on earth can grow. The knowledge of the incredible love God has for us is not some special, private knowledge, or some powerful secret meant to be kept hidden away. That, my friends, is called Gnosticism. It is intended to be passed on and to grow.
And when we do this well, through word or example, we should be careful to give praise where praise is due – to God who first gave the gift to us. Our expectation is that the merciful Lord, like the master in the parable will see what we have done and give us His gratitude which is peace and joy beyond all understanding.
Today our message is clear. Through Jesus we have been redeemed and sanctified. We have been given a gift greater than golden talents, the gift of the knowledge of the Kingdom of God, and we are charged to see that what was given to us grows and flourishes. By word and example, may we faithfully extend that love and understanding to all we meet.
What was described above is pretty typical of what most secular literature would say about motivating people in the work place, or in an educational setting. If you want someone to really maximize the use of their abilities, praise them publicly when they succeed using behaviors you wish to encourage (and chastise privately those you want to discourage).
For the Christian, receiving praise for effort which glorifies God should not be required. In fact praising one's abilities is like telling a sunset what great color it has. The sunset is a reflection of the beauty of God’s creation. Likewise, for us as faithful members of a faith community dedicated to following Jesus who is the Christ, if we are praised for our efforts or abilities, our response should be to thank God for the gifts that made that accomplishment possible. To take pride in such things is like taking pride in our ability to breathe air – it is a natural consequence of the life God gave us. Quoting St. Paul “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”
The Parable of the Talents from St. Matthew’s Gospel takes that idea further. The Lord’s example, because it is being addressed to his disciples, makes it clear that the gifts they have include the gift of Christ’s teachings, of his revelation of the kingdom of God. That gift is meant to be passed on. It is only in that way that the Kingdom of God on earth can grow. The knowledge of the incredible love God has for us is not some special, private knowledge, or some powerful secret meant to be kept hidden away. That, my friends, is called Gnosticism. It is intended to be passed on and to grow.
And when we do this well, through word or example, we should be careful to give praise where praise is due – to God who first gave the gift to us. Our expectation is that the merciful Lord, like the master in the parable will see what we have done and give us His gratitude which is peace and joy beyond all understanding.
Today our message is clear. Through Jesus we have been redeemed and sanctified. We have been given a gift greater than golden talents, the gift of the knowledge of the Kingdom of God, and we are charged to see that what was given to us grows and flourishes. By word and example, may we faithfully extend that love and understanding to all we meet.
Pax
[1] The picture used today is “Saints Augustine and Monica” by Gioacchino Assereto, c. 1640
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