Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Alleluia: John 13: 34
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
First Reading: First Corinthians 1: 26-31
26 For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble:
27 But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong.
28 And the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his sight.
30 But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, as it is written: He that glorieth, may glory in the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 12-13, 18-19, 20-21
R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.
13 The Lord hath looked from heaven: he hath beheld all the sons of men.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
18 Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.
19 To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helper and protector.
21 For in him our heart shall rejoice: and in his holy name we have trusted.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Alleluia: John 13: 34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
34 I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
14 For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods;
15 And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey.
16 And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five.
17 And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two.
18 But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them.
20 And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above.
21 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two.
23 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know that thou art a hard man; thou reapest where thou hast not sown, and gatherest where thou hast not strewed.
25 And being afraid I went and hid thy talent in the earth: behold here thou hast that which is thine.
26 And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not strewed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have committed my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received my own with usury.
28 Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him that hath ten talents.
29 For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: but from him that hath not, that also which he seemeth to have shall be taken away.
30 And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Reflection
God’s work does not depend on worldly status, strength, or recognition. He chooses what the world considers weak and insignificant so that no one can boast as though grace were a personal achievement. In Christ, God gives us wisdom, justice, sanctification, and redemption; every genuine gift begins in him and belongs to his purpose.
The parable of the talents shows what faithful gratitude looks like. The servants are given different amounts, yet the master praises both who make good use of what they received. Their worth is not measured by comparison, but by faithfulness. The servant who buried his talent allowed fear to turn a gift into something hidden and unfruitful. We have received time, abilities, opportunities, and the capacity to love. These are entrusted to us for service, not self-protection. The Lord’s command to love one another as he has loved us gives the clearest direction for using them. When we place our gifts at love’s disposal, even ordinary offerings become fruitful, and our confidence rests where it belongs: in the Lord.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, all that we have comes from your generous hand. Keep us from seeking importance, comparing ourselves with others, or hiding what you have entrusted to us through fear. Give us humility to recognize your grace, courage to put our gifts at the service of others, and faithfulness in small responsibilities. Teach us to love as you have loved us, so that our work, words, and choices may bear fruit for your kingdom. When we feel weak or inadequate, remind us that your strength is revealed through what the world overlooks. May we rejoice in your mercy and trust in your holy name. Amen.
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