God's Generosity

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 September 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a

 

Reflection

By: John Paulo Gonzales

 

Let us picture this: a hard day’s work at the office: a truckload of paperwork, deadlines running concurrently with each other, pressure from multiple authority figures, on top of the widely changing landscape our daily interactions. These present to us giants that need to be conquered every day, which is why it is relieving to receive our salary for a “job well done.” Normally, those who have worked longer at the company receive a proportionate increase in their salary, while juniors are extended the hope of reaping the same benefit come the proper time.

In today’s Gospel, the dynamic of compensation is not so straightforward. In the story, some laborers have been scouted early in the day to render work in the open field, only to realize that at the day’s end, they would receive the same wage as those who started later but ended with them at the same time. The question arises: “Why were they given the same amount?” Does the question sound familiar? This is when what we read becomes a personal experience.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, a comparable inner tempest can be seen. When the profligate son returned home to his father only hoping to be given bare sustenance the same as that given to the least in the household—only to be treated to the finest drapes, food, and festivity instead—the elder brother lamented to their father: “All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (Luke 15:11-32)”

What is challenging in the Gospel is its relatability. At any point, we can find ourselves wrestling with the same thing: the feeling of not being given what we perceive we are worth… of not being given what we asked for... that indignance; for we know how much we have worked (compared to others). If we have reservations about naming what we deserve, we know how much we have pained (especially more than others did); but the Gospel today helps us realize how easy it is to identify with those who express their injuries openly and how helpless we can be at intuiting those whose pains we do not see readily.

In the Gospel, the problem was not that the grumblers had the temerity to ask, as to ask the Lord is an option not denied (Mark 7:7), but that they were much more keen on keeping score with the late workers. They could have asked the landowner if they could be requited for the work they believe goes beyond the usual daily wage, but instead, they objected to the following: “You have made them equal to us”—which can be taken as a denial of grace. As spectators ourselves, the lesson is just as crucial. It may be easy to associate with someone whose feelings we find personable that we fail to see the feelings of those who, buffeted by their own situation, may not have the strength to voice out their agony with any urgency anymore.

In the Gospel, we may find ourselves given to the groaning of those who started work early because their pain sounds familiar; their plea, we heard in plain; but we can be so unwitting to those subject to a different struggle. Where others have a headway at work, others may find themselves unable to even start. We have much to learn from God, the Landowner, who understood the late starters: “Why do you stand here idle all day?” […] “Because”—they answered—“no one has hired us.” As it turns out, the problem of the late workers is one that has existed for as long as work itself—and is one we still find relevant today. When we espouse God’s love in the way we look at His beloved in our midst, we realize that while all their good work is valuable, no pain from anyone is discountable. The Gospel also points to a most eminent truth: God is sovereign and supreme; He can give to whomever He wants; He remains generous, nevertheless. The Sacrifice of Christ makes a special point, however. The Father is already free to give to whomever He wants; but with the spiritual adoption won by the blood of Christ, who, then, is estranged from God’s generosity? Is there anything barring God from giving anyone a good thing? In this spirit, we can better understand God’s Own indignance in saying: “Am I not free to do as I wish with [what I have]? Are you envious because I am generous?”

If I can opine, the Gospel takeaway is not so much that “there are the blessed, and there are those who are not.” This is a line of thought tempting to the broken, especially to those who have been dented for so long; but that we can find ourselves—at any point—at either end of the discourse—between the “blessed this time” and the “blessed in time.” Anyone, at a time we are vulnerable, can be a “lost sheep,” so it is consoling to remember two things: first, God leaves the ninety-nine (comfortable) to recover the one who is lost (Luke 15:1-7; Matthew 18:12), and second, a community of believers provides a nurturing space where help can be sought and obtained.

Generosity is one revelation of God’s Personal Character—the fullness of which His heart speaks; and it is so expressive that in the Kingdom of God, there is preference for the last, the least, and the lost, so while we are in the world, we do not lose sight of those we must first seek to extend our generosity.

We are called to be generous so that in the order of things, with everything put in its proper place, we know that generosity is the measure to uphold. We all experience our peaks and troughs. One moment, we may be content, and another, we are in need. To the extent that we are capable of generosity, we are called towards it, and for the times when we are struggling, there is grace. To be generous when we are able is virtue, and to be generous when we are unable is great love. Lastly, though the world is rife with triggers for our indignation, there is Christ with Whom we can share our struggles and candid pleas, and our neighbors whose plights—resembling our crosses—we can help ease and offer in prayer.

Prayer

God, thank You for Your Presence. Thank You for reminding us today that as many are the crosses we bear, so do others endure their own sufferings. Please help us lighten each other’s burdens where we can, offer to You the parts we cannot help anymore, and to share with You everything just the same because You are our constant trusted Companion.

As we continue the Season of Creation, we also raise up to you our environment, natural and social, ravaged by inclement weather and multiple forms of violence. Please help us become Your good and faithful stewards. These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Generous Gift and Giver

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

04 January 2026

 

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

What gifts did you receive and give this Christmas?

In today's Gospel as we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, we heard how the Magi (Wise Men) brought gifts to the infant Jesus as they paid him homage. Each gift had meaning: gold symbolized Jesus as King, frankincense pointed to His priesthood, and myrrh foretold His suffering and death.

The Epiphany, however, is not only about the gifts. It is about the revelation of Jesus to the world. The Magi were Gentiles, showing us that Jesus came not just for a chosen few, but for everyone. His kingship, priesthood, and saving love are offered to all, without exception.

In the same way, Christmas is more than presents, food, and decorations. It is a celebration of relationships and encounters. As we continue this Christmas season, let us focus more on the relationships in our lives, those that are “organic,” as we might call them today, rather than the things that are carefully curated.

May we offer our presence more than presents, our genuine care more than gift cards, and our love beyond fleeting laughter, especially this new year.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the greatest gift, Your Son, our Savior. Help us to follow Your example by giving generously, not only in material things, but also in our time, kindness, and love. Amen.

The True Rich

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

28 September 2025

 

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)

In this parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus paints a vivid contrast between worldly comfort and eternal reality. The rich man enjoyed abundance and ignored the poor beggar at his gate, while Lazarus suffered in misery while they were still alive. At death, their situations were reversed: Lazarus found comfort with Abraham, while the rich man was in torment.

This reveals the seriousness of how we live our earthly lives. Wealth or money or mammon itself is not evil or condemned, but selfishness and lack of compassion bring judgment. The rich man’s sin was his indifference and lack of empathy—he failed to see and care for the suffering Lazarus who is just outside his gate. The rich man failed to listen to what the prophets taught that we must love others expressed through generosity, mercy, and solidarity especially the poor. This is continuing situation even in this time.

The Gospel reminds us of the power and sufficiency of God’s Word. The Scriptures, given through Moses and the prophets, already contain the truth that leads to salvation. If people refuse to listen to God’s revelation, no miracle or extraordinary sign will be enough to change their hearts. It also points that our Lord Jesus is already foretelling the Pharisees of His own Resurrection. That even though He rose from the dead, many still chose not to believe.

Prayer

Lord, open our eyes to the suffering around us. Teach us to share our blessings with compassion and love. May we never be blinded by wealth or comfort, but instead live with mercy and faithfulness. Help us to open our hearts and listen to Your Word so we may share in eternal life. Help us to listen with faith, trust in Your promises. May we always believe with humility and perseverance, so that we may be strengthened in hope and remain faithful to Christ, our risen Savior. Amen.

Selfless Disposition

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

22 June 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In every Mass or Eucharistic celebration, we are invited to immerse into the deep mystery of Christ’s self-offering. It is an invitation that speaks directly to our hearts, our communities, and even to the world’s most difficult moments. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us of a transformative encounter: that every time we gather and break bread together, we remember not only the greatness of Jesus’ love for us through His death and resurrection, but we also participate in Jesus’ work of redemption.

In the words of St. Paul through his first letter to the Corinthians: “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you…” he reiterates the essence of the Eucharist. It is an invitation to remember that Christ’s body was given for us and that His blood seals the new covenant. When we partake in Holy Communion, we are repeatedly invited to reflect on the sacrificial love that exceeds all human understanding. This sacrament calls us to embody the same love, to become living proclaimers of Jesus’ offering by going beyond our individual selves. The miracle of the five loaves and two fishes recalls this offering or divine generosity. Just as a simple meal is multiplied into a feast, our humble offerings — our time, our compassion, and even our small resources — can be transformed into a bounty of grace when given in the spirit of selfless sharing.

In our experience, especially during hardship, we often fall to our tendency of self preservation. When the disciples said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here”, it reflects a common impulse of us humans. When confronted with overwhelming challenges, it is easier to retreat into the safety of our concerns and push others’ needs away. However, by choosing to “dismiss the crowd”, we risk missing the call to generosity that is at the heart of Jesus’ invitation. Instead, He urges us to share whatever we have. In doing so, we participate in a divine act of multiplication, where the simple act of sharing becomes a channel for hope, healing, and abundant provision.

We can also consider reflecting at the continuing tensions in countries such as the conflict between Israel and Iran. The effects on the economy and quality of life for the rest of the world are very evident. Today, fear and uncertainty drive many to concentrate solely on their own survival. The instinct to withdraw from communal care can be powerful when the world seems divided and resources are limited. But the Eucharist and feeding miracles invite us to look beyond our limited perspectives. Just as Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed the crowd, our seemingly insufficient contributions can also become transformative when they are extended in love. It is an invitation to find God in the midst of chaos and confusion — a reminder that even in difficult times, sharing a small part (or a tenth like Abram offered) of what we possess can ignite hope.

When we reflect on these sacred mysteries, we see that the Eucharist is both a remembrance of Christ’s passion and a command to be His body in the world. When we receive the Blessed Sacrament, we are called to rise above self-centeredness. It challenges us to transform our natural disposition toward self-preservation into a courageous act of community and compassion. In doing so, our lives become a living testimony to the profound truth that God’s grace multiplies even the smallest gestures.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is not just a day of remembrance, but a call to action. It invites us to be bold in our sharing, to overcome the urge to isolate ourselves in difficult times, and to recognize that every act of kindness and love can be the spark that ignites change. By embracing this nature, we affirm that in the celebration of the Eucharist — and in the sharing of our “five loaves and two fish” — we truly live out the call to be the Body of Christ in a world longing for hope and harmony.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we gather before You with humble hearts, remembering the mystery of Your love manifested in the Eucharist. As we break bread together, remind us that every small act of kindness, every shared moment of hope, carries the seed of Your divine grace.

Lord Jesus, You offered Your body and blood as a gift of redemption for all. In times of uncertainty and trouble, may we draw courage from Your sacrifice. Teach us to see beyond our fears and to recognize that even our simplest offerings can be multiplied into miracles of healing and peace. In our struggles and in our moments of doubt, may the Holy Spirit guide us to express a spirit of community and boundless generosity. May our daily actions become a testament to Your enduring promise of hope and a beacon of light that guides others out of darkness. AMEN.

Family is Forever

   

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

29 December 2024

 

First Reading: Sir 3:2-6,12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Col 3:12-21

Gospel: Lk 2:4

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I believe the readings for today are one of the most beautiful sets for families with full instruction and guidance on how to live according to the will of God.

"Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged (Colossians 3:18-21)."

But even these teachings get misinterpreted. Wives are forced to follow their husbands leaving the women without the voice in decision making. Husbands define love differently. Children sometimes obey their parents even when it is wronf or against their will. And fathers provoke their children and call it discipline.

But there is yet another instruction and it says, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:12-13). "

God probably knew that families are not perfect so we need to be guided with humility and forgiveness.

It is also fitting that we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family this Christmas as it is the season for families to be together. Looking back, the moments that I took for granted when I was younger are the best memories after all. Because today, no matter how festive or extravagant our celebrations get, there will always be empty chairs. My brother and father can no longer be with us.

This is why it is always best to celebrate each moment and be grateful for our family's presence. Let us be more forgiving and loving because this is what God wills for us.

Prayer

Father God thank You for giving us the Holy Family to emulate, abundant wirh humility, compassion and love. May we be grateful and more loving to our own families as we follow Your will for us. These we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

A Generous Heart

    

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

10 November 2024

 

First Reading: 1 Kgs 17:10-16

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: Heb 9:24-28

Gospel: Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more

than all the other contributors to the treasury.

For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,

but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,

her whole livelihood."

This Bible passage has so many interesting details. First, the widow is definitely struggling in her finances as she was labelled "poor". Secondly, she has given two copper coins which is practically just a small amount, but it is probably all that she had.

I am challenged to give all what I have and rely on God's provision. We are all reminded that it is not the amount we give as an offering that matters, but the spirit by which we give it. If we give joyfully, the Lord will surely bless us and return more than a hundredfold what we offered.

Prayer

Dear God, we praise You and we thank You for all the abundant blessings we have received. May You grant us a generous heart like this poor widow to give all we had with joy in our hearts. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Very Important Servants

    

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

22 September 2024

 

First Reading: Wis 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and  8

Second Reading: Jas 3:16—4:3

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

Almost everyone in Metro Manila is familiar with a scene during rush hours where a convoy of vehicles goes through the heavy traffic with two or more police riding two-wheeled vehicles as escorts. You may have shaken your head at least once during the time when you saw something like this. It may have irritated you more if you found out that it was a government official being ushered so that he or she could get to where he or she is supposed to be faster than everyone else on that road. You may remember how during that time you were so anxious about getting late for work and wishing there could be a faster way, and you had no choice but to sit it out. A scene that when we witness it a lot of times, we become used to it and we just ignore it. Then it becomes our common definition of what it means to be a public servant.

What does it mean to be a leader? What does it mean to be trustworthy of authority? What does honorable mean? In our everyday lives, we can somehow define what being a public servant is by simply looking at and observing what they do.

Almost every day, we hear a lot about government officials who are corrupt and dishonest. There are people who justify a misuse of public funds, or even being dishonest about the purpose of the fund being asked. There are those who use government properties for their own desires and benefits. There are also those who run away during difficult times, especially when the people who they have promised to serve need help. We know how obvious these are and yet they remain “unbowed”. But most of us still support these so-called servants and even defend them. We even discuss who among them is the greatest.

The effect of this may not be obvious but we can say that there are times when we have really lost the sense of true service. In the church or in a community where almost everyone is a volunteer, people sometimes think that they are in a higher position than those who are not volunteering. There are times when I used my servant ID to pass the long line of people waiting outside because I am running late. There are servants who think they have permission to pass through security just to take a photo of a high-profile servant. Oftentimes, we miss the point on why we are called to serve and become our own version of “honorable” or “VIS - very important servant”.

Today’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus being our guide and model for us to know the true meaning of service – Obedience. This does not only mean being obedient to those who are above us. A disciple is not above his or her teacher, and yet the teacher can be a servant of the disciple. The core of obedience is being open. Our openness to God who calls us in ways that are unexpected. We become open when we die to our own desires and empty ourselves for the benefit of other people. We become open when we offer the gifts that God has given to us to those in need. Jesus, being our model, emptied Himself and put first what God asked of him to show us how a true servant should be. If we only pray like Jesus Himself, “Not our will, my Lord, but Yours be done.” Then we will truly know what it’s like to be the first and greatest in the Kingdom of God. 

 

Prayer

PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY

Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, 

Teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve You as You deserve. 

To give without counting the cost, to fight heedless of wounds, 

To labor without seeking rest, 

To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward 

Save the knowledge that I have done Your will. AMEN.

Generosity and Love, not Greed

   

  Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

31 July 2022 

 

First Reading: Ecc 1:2, 2:21-23

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

Second Reading: Col 3:1-5, 9-11

Gospel: Lk 12:13-21

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?'

Being poor is difficult. To be rich is also difficult. And we all know that the love of money is the root of all evil. It is also true that money cannot buy us happiness. But it is equally true that we need money to buy the things we need. So, there must be a balance in our pursuit of wealth. The Gospel reading clearly tells us that the accumulation of possessions or wealth must not be anchored on GREED! 

As a financial mentor, I was mentored by Bro. Bo Sanchez. And the basic guide I put into practice is the “Prosperity Formula” or the “Abundance Formula” that guides us to give; at least 10% of what we earn, back to God through our Tithes.  To give back to our Church or charities at least 10% of what the Lord blesses us with. That we strive to earn more so we can give more. In our team, the Truly Rich Makers Team, we collectively support the Annual Feast Conference as a MAJOR SPONSOR. It is our collective way of giving back to the ministries supported by Bro. Bo. We continue to encourage many families to accumulate wealth not for greed but to be able to be more generous in giving. For we believe that the ultimate purpose of accumulating wealth is to use it for LOVE!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for enlightening us to guard against greed in our pursuit of accumulating wealth. We pray that all those who are blessed to have will be inspired to share to those who have not. This we pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Out of Her Substance

Thirty-second Sunday in

Ordinary Time

7 November 2021 

 

First Reading: 1 KNGS 17:10-16

Responsorial Psalm: PS 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: HEB 9:24-28

Gospel: MK 12:38-44 or 12:41-44

 

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

 

[T]his poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.

In today’s First Reading (1 Kings 17:10-16), the Prophet Elijah visited a poor widow of Zarephath and asked for water and a scrap of bread.  Despite “a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug” for her and her son, she prepared a little bread for the Prophet Elijah. The widow’s kind gesture was rewarded: “The jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus praised a poor widow for contributing all that she had compared to the rest. This poor widow, according to Prof Mary Healy, did not give “out of her surplus but out of her substance”. Giving her whole livelihood was tantamount to depending on God for her tomorrow. In a materialistic society, we tend to acquire and cling to whatever goods we can buy. This includes those goods that we do not really need and are therefore non-essential. We oftentimes discover that these goods are just there gathering dust in our already cluttered homes. Perhaps it is high time for us to share those goods with those who genuinely need them. As Bishop Robert Barron wrote, “[W]hen we give away that which we have received through God’s grace, we find that more grace arrives. And when we give that away, still more arrives, and then still more, until we discover, finally, water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14).”

• Are you a cheerful giver? 

• Is your donation out of your surplus or out of your substance?

• When was the last time you cleared your closet of unwanted things?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. May the example of two widows in our Mass readings today inspire us to be generous in sharing our gifts – big or small as they may be – with the Church and those in need. Amen.

 

Progenitor of grace

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

25 July 2021 

 

First Reading: 2 Kgs 4:42-44

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Eph 4:1-6

Gospel: Jn 6:1-15

 

Reflection

By: Grace Madrinan

 

"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many?" - John 6:9

When I read this verse in today's Gospel, I can't help but relate it to the community pantry that had since spread all over the country and abroad. I saw how it started with one small cart of basic pantry items along Maginhawa street. If Ana Patricia Non, the progenitor of this community pantry, thought that her help is too little to matter, then 6,700 other community pantries would not have helped feed people in need.

Similar to the boy in today's Gospel, he did not mind sharing his small packed lunch to the disciples. His generosity is innate. In his innocent mind, if he can but make at least a few less hungry then that would be enough, even at the risk of losing food for his own.

And that is what Jesus is waiting for - a progenitor of generosity. Someone to offer even with the littlest he has, so that God can multiply it.

I used to wonder why Jesus had to wait for the boy to offer his lunch. He could just have brought rain of manna like in the time of Moses, or turn stone into bread. But I also thought that it would not look right, since it would look like sorcery and besides, would you eat the food if you knew it used to be a stone? There's going to be a lot of explaining to do! That is definitely not how God operates.

I read somewhere that this is because God wants to cooperate with us. He is not invasive, He is not manipulative, He will move if we allow Him to work. And when we have faith, miracles happen.

 

Prayer

 

"Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous

Teach me to serve You as I should

To give and not to count the cost"

    - Prayer of Generosity (Bukas Palad Ministry)

 

Use It or Lose It

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

15 November 2020
First reading Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

When one finds a worthy wife,

her value is far beyond pearls.

Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,

has an unfailing prize.

She brings him good, and not evil,

all the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax

and works with loving hands.

She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her fingers ply the spindle.

She reaches out her hands to the poor,

and extends her arms to the needy.

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;

the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her a reward for her labors,

and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Second reading                          1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,

you have no need for anything to be written to you. 

For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come

like a thief at night.

When people are saying, "Peace and security,"

then sudden disaster comes upon them,

like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,

and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,

for that day to overtake you like a thief. 

For all of you are children of the light

and children of the day.

We are not of the night or of darkness. 

Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,

but let us stay alert and sober.

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.'"

 

Reflection

By Art B. Reyes

 

Today’s Gospel talks about the Parable of the Talents.  God has given us talents. These are the skills, the abilities that each of us uniquely possessed. They are just there, waiting to be discovered, utilized, and put into good use. Our talents must not be hidden or put to waste but rather be maximized and shared for common good.

 

The Gospel says that each man was given talents “according to his own ability”.  Sounds unfair in worldly standard, but everything is equal, at the end of our days, when final accounting is done. Each of us will be judged not according to the quantities of talents we’ve been given but how we developed and used those.

 

There are people who are good in making money in their chosen business, and there are those who are big earners in their lucrative employment. They are successful not only because of their talents, but because they take action and work hard. In the parable, the man receiving only 1 talent did not work, and as a result he earned nothing in return.

 

There are people whose talents are limited but they excel in what they do. It is because they give their very best. We can all be successful when we give our finest and leave everything else to God. As in the story, both servants were successful, even though one ended up with a greater return.

 

We fail when we don’t use our talents. We don’t succeed either when we abuse them. It is our duty to use our talents, no matter how much we’ve been given. We need to leverage our opportunities. We need to work, strive, and develop our talents to glorify God in the process.

 

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To date, there are about 52 million people infected by the deadly Covid 19 virus already. The pandemic has claimed so many lives and livelihoods. Last  Monday, BioNTech and Pfizer announced that a vaccine for the coronavirus developed by Dr. Sahin and his team was more than 90 percent effective in preventing the disease among trial volunteers. The stunning results vaulted the company to the front of the race to find a cure for a disease that has killed more than 1.2 million people worldwide.

 

BioNTech, which Dr. Sahin founded with his wife, Dr. Özlem Türeci, was mostly focused on cancer treatments. They have dedicated their lives to the field of oncology and infectious diseases, and spent years pioneering treatments for cancer. Sahin has been described as a "modest and humble" person. ”Despite his achievements, he never changed from being incredibly humble and personable," his colleague said. 

 

The couple live with their teenage daughter in a modest apartment near their office. They ride bicycles to work. They do not own a car. They are extremely talented but very down to earth people.

 

Our talent is to be discovered, utilized, and shared. It is not only for oneself, but for others. Our talents and blessings should lead us to be humble, and to be grateful to God.

Prayer

Lord, show us the gifts and talents You have given us. Help us share with others these gifts which we enjoy. Let us learn to use them for Your glory. Amen.